Article 28 Special provisions for transport by water (except roll-on/roll-off vessels)

So as to ensure that the welfare requirements of the animals transported are met, the competent authority of the country where loading takes place shall inspect before loading is allowed:

An alarm shall be fitted to detect any power failure in the forced ventilation system.

An adequate secondary source of power, clearly separated from the primary source, shall be provided to ensure that appropriate forced ventilation is maintained.

Animals shall not be transported on open decks unless in containers or other structures, giving adequate protection from sea water.

Where animals are walked on and off the vessel, suitable gangways, ramps and walkways shall be provided between the quayside and the vessel's livestock decks.

Loading and unloading of animals onto or off livestock vessels shall be supervised by an authorised veterinarian.

Animal accommodation, ramps and passageways shall be adequately lit at loading and unloading so that the animals can see where they are going, depending upon the specific requirements of the species.

All pens, stalls and containers shall be directly accessible for both the animals and attendants.

Passageways for animals shall be appropriate for the species to be transported, in particular they shall not have sharp edges, and sharp corners and protrusions shall be minimised.

All parts of the vessel where animals are accommodated shall be provided with facilities which ensure effective drainage and shall be kept in a good sanitary condition.

Supplies of clean fresh water, wholesome feed and appropriate bedding, sufficient for the animals' needs and considering the length of the sea journey, shall be carried on the vessel.

Reserve supplies of water, and in the case of long journeys, feed and bedding for the animals shall be carried in case of unforeseen delays.

Supplies of feed and bedding shall be stored so as to ensure that they are kept in a dry state, and protected from the weather and the sea. The storage of feed and bedding shall not interfere with ventilation, lighting and drainage systems, or passageways.

Drinking and feeding equipment appropriate to the number, size and species of the animals shall be provided.

Provisions shall be made for isolating animals which become ill or injured during the journey.

In case of emergency, it shall be possible to kill an animal in accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 25 of this Convention. To that end, a means of killing suitable to the species shall be available.