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Fact sheet: Then vs. Now – Humane Transportation Regulations

Stronger animal transportation requirements = Healthier animals

The amendments to the Transportation of Animals requirements under the Health of Animals Regulations improve the well-being of animals during the entire transportation process, keeping in mind Canada's geographic size and the time required to travel between locations.

Improvements (Starting in 2020)

Specific comparison

Provision
Then
(Regulations from 1977)
Now
(Amended regulations 2019)
Transport continuum Focus mainly on time in confinement Feed, water and rest (FWR) times start when FW are first removed and include time for loading, transport and unloading, until FW are provided again
Type of regulations Prescriptive based requirements that restrict innovation More outcome based regulations including:
 adequate space,  enough headroom,  weather protection,  ventilation, etc.
Maximum intervals without Feed, Water and Rest (FWR)
Then
(Regulations from 1977)
Now
(Amended regulations 2019)
All livestock, camelids and cervids of 8 days of age or less, and ruminants too young to be fed exclusively hay and grain Max. 18 h of transport confinement (calves) Max. 12 h without FWR
Compromised animals Not specified. Covered under general requirements (48 h for ruminants, 36 h for monogastrics). Max. 12 h without FWR
Ruminants Max. 48 h of transport confinement Max. 36 h without FWR
Animals with a single stomach (monogastrics): horses, pigs, birds, reptiles, pets, etc. Max. 36 h of transport confinement

Horses and pigs 28 h without FWR

Max. 36 h without FWR for all other animals

Hatching birds Max. 72 h of transport after hatching (chicks only) Max. 72 h from time of hatching for birds
Broiler chickens, spent hens and rabbits Not specified. General requirement for monogastrics (36 h of transport confinement)

Max. 24 h without water

Max. 28 h without feed

Rest time after max. interval without FWR 5 h 8 h
Innovation Not specified No maximum for specially equipped conveyances/containers that meet numerous specified requirements and provide FWR. Outcome-based requirements for the animals still apply.

More information on humane transport and animal welfare

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