ALRTA supports targeted changes to horse transport standards

ALRTA supports targeted changes to horse transport standards

The Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters’ Association (ALRTA) has submitted its response to a consultation regulation impact statement proposing changes to horse transport standards.

The proposals were recently considered by ALRTA’s National Driver and Animal Welfare Committee, and its submission is supportive of targeted changes to the horse transport standards.

This will mean new legislation and new or modified rules specified in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines – Land Transport of Livestock 2012 as it applies to horses.

The standards provide a basis for developing and implementing consistent legislation and enforcement across Australia, and provide guidance for all people responsible for livestock during transport.

ALRTA supports new standards requiring:

• a written record of last access to water;

• a transporter to manage welfare risks and take corrective actions due to heat stress;

• horses with poor body conditions score (0 or one) not to be transported without vet advice;

• foals with unhealed umbilical stumps not to be transported except to foster mares;

• transporters to ensure horses have sufficient space to maintain a comfortable standing position and balance (instead of adhering to loading density tables);

• a prohibition on transporting horses in multi-deck trailers (except where only the lower deck is used and there is sufficient vertical clearance);

• a prohibition on transporting mixed loads of handled and unhandled horses; and

• removal of hind shoes where horses are travelling to slaughter.

In a statement, ALRTA has strongly opposed a proposal to move from a

Vale Frederick John (Ned) Amezdroz

An energetic and dynamic leader in the road transport industry, Frederick John (Ned) Amezdroz, has passed away.

Amezdroz joined the family transport business, Amezdroz & Menzies, aged 17, where he toiled for the remainder of his 57-year working life.

With his brother Bill, Amezdroz took over business in 1961, helping build it into one of Victoria’s leading carriers.

The company continued to grow and became Amezdroz and Sons in 1984. Following several strategic acquisitions, rapid expansion ensued resulting in a group rebrand to Wettenhalls in 2004.

“He was instrumental in advocating for change within the Victorian transport industry, as a member of the Executive of the then Victorian Road Transport Association, which he served for 20 years,” the Victorian Transport Association said in a statement.

“Recognition of Ned’s outstanding service to the transport industry came in 2005 when he was admitted to the National Road Transport Hall of Fame.

“Away from business, Ned was a pillar of his local communities in Colac,

24-hour time off water limit to a 12-hour journey time limit.

“This proposal is inconsistent with standards for all other species and introduces unacceptable operational / regulatory risks,” it said.

“We have however supported a reduction in the time of water limit to 15 hours to align with BFM fatigue rules.”

ALRTA expects a decision regulatory impact statement on the refined proposal to be released in 2023.

Werribee and Geelong, through his charitable deeds, volunteer work and tireless community involvement.

“He was involved in numerous local organisations, volunteering with Rotary International, where his service was recognised with a Paul Harris Fellowship. Ned and his beloved wife Audrey also served on the Foundation Board of Mambourin Enterprises in Werribee, supporting people with disabilities.

“Our sincere sympathies to all who knew and interacted with Ned.”

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