The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: peartreewoodlandsmallholding on June 16, 2012, 07:12:41 pm

Title: Can a van be used to transport livestock?
Post by: peartreewoodlandsmallholding on June 16, 2012, 07:12:41 pm
Just a thought i had!! I wondered if it was legal to board out the back of a van, fit a ramp for access in and out,  lay plenty of straw down and use it to take for example a couple of pigs to the abbatoir etc or does it have to be a livestock trailer. I know smell in the van could be an issue if they decide to empty there bowels! :-[  But is it legal!! Anybody Know?? :pig:
Title: Re: Can a van be used to transport livestock?
Post by: manian on June 16, 2012, 08:54:12 pm
hi
no its not legal, i don't think you will able to get the slope of the ramp and youhave tohave side rails for livestock
there is a page on defra saying whats ok and not.
I'll try and find it
Mx
Title: Re: Can a van be used to transport livestock?
Post by: chrismahon on June 16, 2012, 09:21:07 pm
A livestock van is a van at the end of the day. The problems you face are the slope of the ramp as Manian says, which I think was discussed a few months back and is now 1:4 -not sure. Another issue is cleaning out and you have to sign to say the vehicle will be disinfected, which can't be done effectively unless your boarding is completely sealed. You also need a proper livestock roof vent. I got pulled up about that by the vet and by animal health later when I took a ram to slaughter in my ply boarded Vauxhall Vivaro -it was 10 minutes down the road and my wife was in the back with him! I was quoted £100 +VAT to fit one, which I have to do now because the Poultry Export vet won't let me go without it.