Saudi Ministry of Environment issues new livestock transport regulations

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has issued a comprehensive guide regulating the transport of livestock and animal products by land, sea, and air. The new framework aims to prevent the spread of diseases, enhance animal health, and ensure animal welfare.

Key prohibitions include the movement of sick animals or potentially infected products without prior ministerial approval. The guide also bans transporting live animals to or from designated epidemic zones or through them. Additionally, moving livestock outside of ministry-declared operational areas without permission or using unapproved, ill-equipped transport vehicles is strictly prohibited.

To ensure welfare, transport vehicles must be licensed and provide adequate space, ventilation, lighting, and food and water. For land transport, animals must not be moved for more than eight consecutive hours without a rest period. Authorities are empowered to stop vehicles to inspect animals and compliance with these health and welfare standards, with violators subject to penalties under the Agricultural Law.