[Paulie]

What's people's opinions on my old smoker? I collected the sheep in it in Friday. They loaded and travelled really well. Is it legal for moving livestock and would it be accepted at market abattoir.

Thanks paul

[Sbom]

So long as you can wash it out I'm sure it's fine, we nearly always use an old pony trailer and that has no side gates with no problems at all. If you can unload in a Shute type area it's safe, otherwise take a few hurdles along

[Paulie]

Thanks guys it's not all bad news then it has doors rather than gates and the ramp is carpeted but these can be changed it's easily washed out. Thanks

[Fleecewife]

There are regs for the exact angle of the ramp slope, and for space inside - they need enough so they're not crowded but not so much that they rattle around. If there are not enough animals to prevent themselves being flung around, then you may need to sub-divide the interior.  The space each sheep needs is laid down in the regs, and is part of the test of competency you need to transport animals more than 50 km. There must also be correct ventilation and so on.

[shygirl]

you have to be able to disinfect the vehicle so the carpet is a concern unless you steam clean it??. we have used a pony trailer for the abattoir many times but i know its not legal as we have no side gates. iv heard trading standards do do checks at the abattoirs etc so you have to evaluate the risk of embarrassment of being told off. personally id blag it and hope for the best with the smaller beast but not with my cattle.