The importance of understanding ‘fit to load’

Angus Misan, Veterinary Officer, Bendigo

The daily transport and movement of livestock is an integral part of our sheep industry. While the transporter is responsible for the animals during the journey, the consignor is responsible for the assembling and preparation of livestock, including the assessment of whether animals are fit to load.

In summary, an animal is not fit to load if it:

• is not able to walk normally or bear weight on all 4 legs. This may be due to a recent or old fracture, an injury, a deformity, or an infection.
• is not strong enough to make the journey
• is suffering from severe distress or injury
• is in a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport
• is blind in both eyes
• is in late pregnancy.

If you identify an animal that is unfit to load you have a few options. You could treat the animal and transport it when it has recovered and is fit to load. Naturally this is not an option in cases that are not readily treatable. Alternatively, you could humanely destroy the animal. Finally, you could consult a veterinarian and only transport under veterinary advice. Generally, if in doubt, leave it out.

Not only does loading an unfit animal compromise welfare, but it also has the potential to reduce interest from buyers assessing the mob as sub-standard based on a few individual sheep, and it reflects poorly on the sheep industry as a whole.

Abattoirs and saleyards also have a duty of care to the livestock they receive, and if they note any issues, the livestock that were unfit to load may be humanely destroyed and followed up, which could include reporting to Agriculture Victoria for investigation. Remember you, the person in charge of the animal and its assessment prior to loading, are responsible for its welfare. Producers have a vital role in maintaining welfare standards and the public image of the sheep industry, and community values and expectations will not accept anything less.

A guideline titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ has been produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). This guideline can be viewed electronically on MLA’s website or ordered freely from MLA. The MLA fit to load guide is a national guide to help producers, agents, buyers, and transporters decide if an animal is fit to be loaded for transport by road or rail to any destination within Australia.