A ROD FOR OUR OWN BACKS...
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Livestock haulage hasn't had an easy ride over the past few years, as animal rights groups have alerted the world to the suffering sometimes caused to animals during transport. Even hauliers acting within the law have been unfairly targeted for criticism. And, as shown by the recent case of Steven Granger, left in a critical condition after protestors threw a rock which struck his cab (CM 24-30 Sept), even drivers who hove never transported livestock can find themselves in the firing line. Violent action of this kind is always unacceptable. But this is a highly emotive issue, and one thing livestock hauliers should do to help their own cause is to stick to the letter of the law where the welfare of animals is concerned. All the more surprising, then, that firms like F Machin & Son should fail to observe the most basic rules. We refer, of course, to the fine imposed on the company this week for failing to rest sheep in accordance with the law (see news story, page 9). It's hardly an unreasonable law, requiring just one hour's rest for sheep after the first 14 hours and 24 hours' rest after another 14 hours' travel. Indeed anyone concerned with animal welfare would probably suggest that these travel periods are far too long. This case follows the prosecution of John Clark, who was fined for 17 oH-ences against the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1 997 while transporting pigs (CM 8-14 Oct). Those offences included inappropriate pen size, insufficient lighting and lack of any animal feed. What both cases show is that animal rights groups have some legitimate cause for concern. As long as that remains the case, livestock hauliers as a whole can look forward to a rough ride. The livestock haulage sector has eve trade, but it must play by the ry right to ply its rules—for its own sake.