The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Emmam on May 07, 2014, 06:50:41 pm

Title: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: Emmam on May 07, 2014, 06:50:41 pm
In the past, a local farmer has taken our lambs to the local abattoir for us in his livestock trailer.  I have an ifor Williams 505 horse trailer - does anyone know if I am allowed to use this to take one wether to the abattoir (about 30 mins drive)?  Thank you.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: devonlad on May 07, 2014, 07:16:24 pm
don't see why not. I think if its longer than about 9 feet inside recommended good practice is to separate it to stop him rattling around in too big a space. we took a few pigs to the abbatoir in a horse box before- no problem. got a ramp- enough space- fine
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: mowhaugh on May 07, 2014, 07:39:45 pm
Hmm, not sure - what do the rules say about gates on the sides of the ramps, and to stop it comming straight out when you drop the ramp?  Agree you would also need to make a smaller space, perhaps in front of the breast bars.  Common sense says yes, it would be completely fine, but sure someone who knows the rules properly will be along soon.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: trish.farm on May 07, 2014, 07:42:49 pm
I have taken pigs to an abattoir in a horse trailer, and always move my sheep around in a horse trailer.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: Treud na Mara on May 07, 2014, 08:07:42 pm
We managed fine by using some lamb hurdles tied up inside to make a smaller space - tied together with baler twine. OH managed the knotting to make sure all was secure. We also rigged up two of the hurdles, one each side of the ramp for loading and unloading.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: smee2012 on May 07, 2014, 08:32:31 pm
We've only ever used a horse trailer to transport our sheep to the abbatoir...
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: Sbom on May 07, 2014, 09:10:47 pm
We always use an old pony trailer to take sheep, pigs and cows. No side gates and never been questioned about it.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: sokel on May 07, 2014, 11:58:59 pm
We have taken cattle and goats in the horse box no side gates and never questioned about it.
Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: Fowlman on May 08, 2014, 01:45:22 pm
We use a horse trailer for pigs and sheep, never has anything been mentioned. Last lot of pigs were fast asleep when we arrived at the abattoir.

Title: Re: Taking sheep to abattoir in horse trailer
Post by: Emmam on May 23, 2014, 01:27:20 pm
Thank you everyone.  That's great.