Standard

SB3.1 Time off water must not exceed the time periods given below:

The standards use the term ‘known to be’ which gets transporters off the hook if there are problems-(they can claim they didn’t know they were pregnant.) however, it demands that they know if they are in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Surely, if the transporter or consignor is to know if his animals are in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy then it is reasonable to say he should know if they are pregnant at all.

Replace with:
SB3.1 Time off water must not exceed the time periods given below:

Standard

SB3.2 Journey time for camels over 6 months old, excluding camels known to be in the final month of pregnancy, may be extended to 72 hours only under the following conditions:
i) camels must be watered and fed on the vehicle every 24 hours
ii) there must be space for all camels to lie down
iii) regular assessments must be made that the camels are fit for the remainder of the intended journey
iv) camels must be allowed a spell of 24 hours before starting another journey.

The term ‘known to be’ lets the driver off the hook. Either they are or they are not and as these people should be experienced in the handling of such animals they should know one way or another.

Replace with:
SB3.2 Journey time for camels over 6 months old, excluding camels in the final month of pregnancy, may be extended to 72 hours only under the following conditions:
i) camels must be watered and fed on the vehicle every 24 hours
ii) there must be space for all camels to lie down at the same time
iii) regular assessments by a trained accredited competent person must be made that the camels are fit for the remainder of the intended journey
iv) camels must be allowed a spell of 24 hours before starting another journey.

Standard

SB3.3 If camels over 6 months old or camels known to be more than 9 months pregnant, excluding the last 4 weeks, have been off water for 24 hours, they must be spelled for 12 hours before starting another journey.

The term ‘known to be’ lets the driver off the hook. Either they are or they are not and as these people should be experienced in the handling of such animals they should know one way or another.

Replace with:
SB3.3 If camels over 6 months old or camels more than 9 months pregnant, excluding the last 4 weeks as these must not be transported , have been off water for 24 hours, they must be spelled for 12 hours before starting another journey.

Standard

SB3.4 Camels known to be in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy must be transported under veterinary advice unless the journey is less than 4 hours.

The term ‘known to be’ lets the driver off the hook. Either they are or they are not and as these people should be experienced in the handling of such animals they should know one way or another. Vet ‘advice’ could be provided on the phone without the vet having ever seen the animals- the condition could be misrepresented to the vet. In addition as most camels transported are wild it is quite possible that they are moved from rough terrain areas which may cause problems, if transport was too long for those in late pregnancy

Replace with:
SB3.4 Camels in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy must not be transported.
The navel must be healed on new born camels before transport.

Standard

SB3.5 Camels must have a minimum of 100 mm clearance between the top of their hump and the livestock crate.

Standard

SB3.6 Electric prodders must only be used on camels after reasonable actions to cause movement have failed.

The guidelines state: GB3.14 Electric prodders should only be used on camels as an absolute last resort. The use of electrical prodders is no excuse for a lack of handling skills. Learn to handle the animals or do not get involved in the industry.

Replace with:
SB3.6 Electric prodders must not be used on camels.

Standard

SB3.7 Dogs must not be used to move camels.

Standard

SB3.8 Approved methods of humane destruction for camels over 6 months old are
firearm captive bolt or lethal injection.

Approved methods of humane destruction for camels less than 6 months old are firearm, captive bolt, lethal injection or blunt trauma. Blunt trauma must only be used when there is no other approved option for humane destruction, and only on camel calves that are less than 24 hours old.

There are serious issues with the use of blunt trauma such as: the ability to restrain the animal, the accuracy and repeatability of the smashing of the head.

The ability of the person is of concern given the industry’s failure to establish a national training system in animal handling and behaviours. Only a trained accredited and competent person should attempt to kill an animal. Therefore ALL drivers must be trained.

Replace with:
SB3.8 Approved methods of humane destruction for camels are firearm captive bolt or lethal injection. The use of blunt trauma is only to be used on camel calves that are less than 24 hours old and when there is no other (approved) option for humane destruction.

Killing of a camel must only be undertaken by a trained accredited and competent person.