Changes to Transport Policy from 1 October 2025
DAERA has announced changes to the transport policy when transporting animals to a show or exhibition.
From 1 October 2025 transports of the following nature will no longer be deemed to be in connection with an economic activity and are therefore exempt from Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 (EU 1/2005):
- where animals are taken to or from a specialist show or competition and the primary purpose is for pleasure rather than as part of a business; and
- where horses and ponies are transported by an owner for the purpose of riding, showing or competing for pleasure e.g. show jumping, gymkhanas etc.
Therefore, owners transporting the above animals to shows will no longer be required to have mandatory transport approvals such as a transporter authorisation certificate of competence or an approved vehicle.
However, the following exceptions will still fall within the scope of EU 1/2005 and will require the necessary transport approvals:
- farmed animals attending shows;
- animals attending racing events; and
- professional horse riders/jockeys, including those sponsored to compete.
If there is uncertainty whether the planned movement is in connection with an economic activity, the transporter must demonstrate to the competent authority that it has no connection with an economic activity.
The Single Animal Exemption (SAE), which allowed individuals in NI to transport a single animal without mandatory approvals, will be revoked from 1 October 2025. From that date, anyone transporting a single animal for economic purposes over 65km, must have transporter authorisation. Depending on the species and journey duration, a certificate of competence and vehicle approval may also be required.
A DAERA spokesperson said: “The changes to these policies will allow owners and their companion animals to move more freely to animal shows and exhibitions. The changes will align DAERA’s policy with the approach taken in GB, which will help to resolve the confusion which has existed around travel to these types of shows.
“The revocation of the SAE will also close the loophole which has permitted some commercial transporters to avoid having the necessary transport approvals and training in place to transport animals.”
Regardless of any change in policy it is an offence under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006 (WATR 2006) to transport any animal in a way which causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering to that animal.
Full details of the changes and the transport approvals required can be found on the DAERA website at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/welfare-animals-during-transport
