The matter became an issue with the introduction of electronic logbooks (ELDs) recording a driver’s time on the road. Livestock drivers say they need flexibility in the hours-of-service rules so they can deliver their loads to their destinations where they can be safely unloaded.

While the hours-of-service regulations allow drivers to work beyond their normal times in an emergency or adverse driving conditions, there is no consideration for the health or welfare of the animals in their care while in transit, the committee says in a report to the Commons.

The drivers also must follow federal Health of Animals rules that require the animals to be fed, watered and rested at regular intervals. Drivers say this legal obligation sometimes requires them to remain on duty beyond their maximum hours of service, the report notes.

While these issues can be recorded in the ELDs, drivers are concerned whether law enforcement officers will fully understand the measures livestock transporters must follow in an emergency. Considerable fines and other penalties could be imposed.

The report calls on the federal and provincial governments to provide clear guidance to ensure the regulations are not variously interpreted. That would include a comprehensive list of what constitutes an emergency situation and consideration of animal welfare concerns when permitting drivers to extend the driving time allowed during adverse driving conditions or emergency situations.

Governments should begin work immediately with the Canadian Council of Motor Transportation Administrations to provide clear guidance to all enforcement officers on animal welfare in emergency situations so the rules are enforced consistently.

Also government inspectors should receive training from Canadian Livestock Transport on how to properly identify animal welfare scenarios that would necessitate an exemption in ELD rules.

Governments should consider revising hours of service regulations for drivers hauling livestock or insects so they have greater flexibility at the beginning and end of their trips without compromising animal health or safety and taking into account local conditions and distances, the report said.

Governments should work with industry to promote the development of additional roadside stops and rest areas where truck drivers can stop and provide food and rest to livestock they are transporting.

They should also encourage the adoption of new livestock traceability and monitoring systems as well as innovative solutions to improve ventilation in animal transport vehicles during periods of extreme heat.

Government could also facilitate the transition of willing small and medium-sized slaughterhouses to federal inspection standards to reduce the distances drivers must travel to transport animals, which would help them meet the current hours of service regulations.

The report noted that livestock transporters face all sorts of delays on the roads but they cannot go off-duty and rest for eight consecutive hours because of their legal obligation to continue to care for the animals in their charge.

The consolidation in the meat processing sector has led to the closure of many slaughter and processing facilities and that requires animals to be transported farther.

This news report was prepared for National Newswatch.