Standard

We know of no scientific data to suggest that deer can travel for 48 hours without water and be physically and psychologically healthy at destination Water deprivation especially during hot weather whilst taking into account variables such as penning densities, internal crate temperatures can affect the coping mechanisms significantly. Given the note provided with this standard is that: Deer are generally not watered on transport vehicles. Unloading for spells should be avoided for welfare and biosecurity reasons. However, spells longer than 4 hours can be deducted from the total water deprivation time. A spell less than 4 hours is not recommended or recognised for water deprivation time calculation, but can be taken as necessary. The animals during any spell will remain on board the transporter. If the internal temp is enough to stress the animals then the potential to suffer is increased when the animals are not able to move freely, rest and take on water at will.

Deer farming is specialised in nature therefore they should know if the does are pregnant. It is not acceptable to include ‘known to be’ as this lets the consignor off the hook should problems arise.

Replace with:
SB5.1 Time off water must not exceed the time periods given below:

Standard

SB5.2 If deer over 6 months old have been off water for 48 hours, they must be spelled for 36 hours before starting another journey.
If fawns or calves have been off water of 28 hours, they must be spelled for 12 hours before starting another journey.
If deer known to be more than 5 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.

Replace with:
SB5.2 If deer over 6 months old have been off water for 38 hours, they must be spelled for 30 hours before starting another journey.
If fawns or calves have been off water of 18 hours, they must be spelled for 12 hours before starting another journey.
If deer more than 5 months pregnant excluding the last 4 weeks, have been off water for 18 hours, they must be spelled for 12 hours before starting another journey.

Standard

SB5.3 Deer known to be in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy must only be transported under veterinary advice unless the journey is less than 4 hours duration.

Late Pregnancy animals should not be transported at all. The consignor should know if the animal is pregnant. That’s his responsibility. We know industry wants all care and no responsibility, but it is unacceptable.

Replace with:
SB5.3 Deer in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy must not be transported.
The navel must be healed on calves before transport.

Standard

SB5.4 Electric prodders must only be used on deer after reasonable actions to cause movement have failed.

Deer are easily frightened and fragile creatures. It is totally unacceptable that an implement for violence is used against these timid animals just because we are too stupid to use more cultured methods. If the industry wants to exploit them the industry must learn respect and care.

Replace with:
SB5.4 Electric prodders must not be used on deer

Standard

SB5.5 Approved methods of humane destruction for:
i) deer are firearms captive bolt or lethal injection.
ii) fawns are firearms, captive bolt, lethal injection or blunt trauma; blunt trauma must only be used for fawns that are less than 24 hours old and where there is no firearm or captive bolt available.

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
There is no way of ensuring ‘destruction’ is ‘humane’ (if this is at all possible,) if the person is not trained, accredited and competent to carry out the task.

Replace with:
SB5.5 Approved methods of humane destruction for:
i) deer are firearms captive bolt or lethal injection.
ii) fawns are firearms, captive bolt, lethal injection or blunt trauma; blunt trauma must only be used for fawns that are less than 24 hours old and where there is no firearm or captive bolt available.

Destruction of deer must only be carried out by persons trained, accredited competent in emergency slaughter.