DEFRA Procedures at the BIP
The DEFRA procedures for the physical handling of animals will depend upon
the species and the number of animals in the consignment(s).
For farm livestock and horses, the inspection will take place either in
the inner compound, the stables or the pens, the inspection room or the
crush as applicable to the type, number and species of animals involved.
Detained animals, if necessary, can be held in the stables within the BIP
for a limited period.
Animals whose inspection has been satisfactorily completed may (subject
to Customs approval) be loaded onto their road transport vehicles and held
in the parking area pending Customs release the issuance of the Border
Crossing Document; this certificate will not be issued until all the animals
in a consignment and their documentation have been inspected.
If road transport is not available or if a compulsory rest period is
required by legislation the animal(s) will be held in a stable or pen as
appropriate.
Animals may only be loaded into clean vehicles.
All health certificates and other related documents must be presented to
DEFRA at the BIP.
Handling and Inspection of Animals with the BIP
Vehicles carrying containerised animals on aircraft pallets will enter
the outer compound area and be offloaded directly onto the scissor lift and
adjacent ball-mat area. The animals will then be offloaded from the
containers into the inner compound area.
Animals that are being offloaded and inspected at the BIP may be handled
by BIP staff and/or the accompanying handlers or importers in accordance
with the instructions of the BIP staff and/or DEFRA inspectors.
The inspection will be carried out by staff from the DEFRA State
Veterinary Service.
