DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      i  
KENYA STANDARD     DKS 2829 : 201 8 
                      ICS 67.120.01  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
Food animals welfare - code of practice  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT, JULY 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©KEBS 2018          First Edition 2018  
 DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  ii  KENYA  STANDARD                            DKS 2829 : 201 8 
                                                                                                  ICS 67.120.01  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food animals welfare - code of practice  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
No copying  of this standard  without  KEBS  permis sion except  as permitted  by copyright  law 
 
 
 
 
 
PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT, JULY 2018  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      iii  
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATION  
 
The following organizations were represented on the Technical Committee.  
 
Ministry  of Health - food safety  unit 
Kenya  Industrial  Research  and Development  Institute  
National  Public  Health  Laboratory  
Government  Chemist ’s Department  
Farmer ’s Choice  (K) Ltd. 
University  of Nairobi  — Department  of Food  Science,  Nutrition  and Technology  
Consumer  Information  Network  
Kenchic  (K) Ltd. 
Kenya  Meat Commission  
Directorate  of Livestock  Production  
Directorate  of Veterinary  Services  
Alpha  fine foods  limited  
Kenya  Nut Company - Morendat  farm 
Quality  Meat  Packers  
Choice  Meats  limited  
Meat  Training  institute  
Kenya  camel  Association  
Kenya  Bureau  of Standar ds — Secretariat  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVISION OF KENYA STANDARDS  
 
In order to keep abreast of progress in industry, Kenya standards shall be regularly reviewed. Suggestions 
for improvement to published standards, addressed to the Managing Director, Kenya Bureau of St andards, 
are welcome.  
 
 
 
 
 
© Kenya Bureau of Standards, 2018 
 
Copyright. Users are reminded that by virtue of Section 25 of the Copyright Act, Cap. 12 of 2001  of the Laws of Kenya, copyr ight 
subsists in all Kenya Standards and except as provided under Sec tion 26 of this Act, no Kenya Standard produced by Kenya Bureau of 
Standards may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in  writing 
from the Managing Director . 
 
 DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  iv KENYA STANDARD         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Food animals welfare - code of practice  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
KENYA BUREAU OF STANDARDS (KEBS)  
 
Head Office:  P.O. Box 54974, Nairobi -00200, Tel.: (+254 020) 605490, 602350, Fax: (+254 020)  604031  
E-Mail: info@kebs.org,  Web:http://www.kebs.org   
 
 
Coast Region     Lake Region          Rift Valley Region  
P.O. Box 99376, Mombasa -80100   P.O. Box 2949, Kisumu -40100        P.O. Box 2138, Nakuru -20100  
Tel.: (+ 254 041 ) 229563, 230939/40   Tel.: (+254 057) 23549, 22396        Tel.: (+254 051) 210553, 210555  
Fax: (+254 041 ) 229448    Fax: (+254 057) 21814  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      v Foreword  
This Kenya Standard was prepared by the Meat and poultry  Products Technical 
Committee under the guidance of the Standards Projects Committee, and it is in 
accordance with the procedures of the K enya Bureau of Standards.  
Increase in populations coupled with rising household income levels exerts pressure on 
animal production due to increased demand of foods of animal origin. Animal welfare has 
direct impact on productivity and failure to observe th e guidelines constitute barriers to 
international trade . 
Animal welfare concerns by actors along the value chain and consumers  has prompted 
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) to develop guidelines on animal welfare   
Compliance with animal welfare s tandards is now often included in trade agreements . 
The development of this standard will therefore enhance production and trade in food 
animals  
During the preparation of this standard, reference was made to the following documents:  
Meat Control Act cap 35 6 of the Laws of Kenya.  
Prevention of cruelty to animals  Act cap 360  of the laws of Kenya  
The Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act, Cap 254 of the Laws of Kenya.  
Terrestrial animal health code vol 1 general provisions world organization for animal 
health twentieth edition 2011.  
The assistance derived from the above sources is highly acknowledged.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  vi  
1. Introduction  
Animal  welfare  refers  to the state  of the animal  and how an animal  is coping  with the 
conditions  in which  it lives.  This is achieved  when  an animal  is healthy,  comfortable,  well 
nourished,  safe,  able to express  natural  behavior  and if it is not suffering  from unpleasant  
states  such  as stress,  pain or fear. 
Animal  welfare  is an important  issue  for all sectors  of the livestock  industry.  Good  animal  
welfare  practices  are critical  for maintaining  a positive  industry  image  and for meeting  
legal  requirements  for the sale and transport  of livestock.  Under  no circumstances  should  
cruelty  or ill-treatment  of animals  be tolerated.  
The primary  animal welfare  needs  should  be met by the following  provisions  of  freedoms:  
1. Freedom  from hunger,  malnutrition  and thirst  
2. Freedom  from fear and distress  
3. Freedom  from physical  and thermal  discomfort  
4. Freedom  from pain,  injury  and disease  
5. Freedom  to express  norm al patterns  of behavior  
The care of animals  requires  competence,  experience  and observance  of high standards  
of animal  husbandry.  Individuals’  knowledge  and experience  of livestock  and their needs,  
local climates  and weather  patterns,  topography  and shelte r, as well as management  
practices  remain  one of the prime  means  of ensuring  that the welfare  of animals  is 
maintained  and enhanced.  Knowledge  of the normal  appearance  and behavior  of animals  
is crucial.  It is essential  to be able to recognize  early  signs  of distress  or ill-health  so that 
prompt  remedial  action  is taken  or advice  sought.  
2. Scope:  
The scope  of this code  covers  the humane  handling  of terrestrial  food animals  during  
production  and transportation  up to the point  of use. This code  is intended  for all persons  
responsible  for the welfare  of animals  throughout  the value  chain.  
 
3. Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this 
document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undate d references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
I. KS 2761 code of practice for meat hygiene  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      vii II. KS EAS 39 Hygiene in the food and drink manufacturing industry.  
III. KS 2773 Livestock Markets: Specification  
 
 
4. Definitio ns 
For the purpose  of this standard  the following  definitions  shall apply:  
 
4.1. Competent authority  -means the Veterinary Authority  responsible for ensuring 
the  implementation of animal health and welfare measures.  
  
4.2. Animal handler  - a person with knowle dge of the behaviour and needs of 
animals who has appropriate experience .  
 
4.3. Lairage:  refers to pens, yards and other holding areas used for 
accommodating animals in order to give them necessary attention (such as water, 
feed, rest) before they are moved on or used for specific purposes including 
slaughter.  
 
4.4. Transporter:  this is the person licensed / permitted by the Competent 
Authority to transport animals.  
 
4.5. Transport –the procedures associated with carrying of animals from one 
location to another.  
4.6. Food  anim al: Animals declared as such under the laws of Kenya  
 
4.7. Humane Handling - acting in a manner that causes least harm to the  
animal.  
4.8. Point of use : refers to the final destination of the food animal being 
moved/transported  and/or  utilized. It can be a market, research  lab, farm or abattoir . 
4.9. Abattoir : an establishment where specific animals are slaughtered and 
dressed for human consumption and that is approved, registered and/or listed by 
the competent authority for such purpose.  
4.10.  Stunning : means any mechanical, e lectrical, chemical or other procedure 
that causes immediate loss of consciousness; when used before slaughter, the loss 
of consciousness lasts until death from the slaughter process; in the absence of 
slaughter, the procedure would allow the animal to rec over consciousness.  
4.11.  Animal production;  breeding and rearing of food animal.  
4.12.  Container :  means a non -self-propelled receptacle or other rigid 
structure for holding animals during a journey by one or several means of 
transport.   
4.13.  Animal welfare - is how an an imal is coping with the conditions in which it 
lives.   It encompasses disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate 
shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and slaughter/killing.  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  viii 4.14.  Exhibition purposes: public display, conservation, public  education 
and public entertainment or other prescribed purposes . 
4.15.  Licence holder: the holder of a licence authorising the display of 
animals at a facility.  
4.16.  Operator: a licence holder or a natural person nominated by the 
licence holder to be the person in c harge of a facility, or, where no licence is 
held, the person in charge of animals held for exhibition purposes  
4.17.  Ante -mortem inspection - Any procedure or test conducted by a 
competent authority  on live animals for the purpose of judgement of safety and 
suitability and disposition   
4.18.  Droving /trekking  - the practice of moving livestock  over long  
distances by walking them on the hoof . 
4.19.  Mustering - gather or bring animals together  
4.20.  Handling - any deliberate disturbance or interruption of an animal’s 
normal activity  by a person, including touching, distracting, manipulating, 
training, restraining, catching, holding, carrying, moving or transportating the 
animal, whether by or under supervision of a keeper.  
4.21.   Raceway – Confined narrow pathways for animals to pass throu gh so 
that they cannot turn around or get wedged beside each other. The width is 
species specific.  
4.22.  Yard -An enclosure with pens in which animals are sorted or 
temporarily housed  
4.23.  Tethering - is where an animal is fastened by a chain ,rope or 
something of the like to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a 
specific area  
 
5. Production  
Animals must be cared for by a sufficient number of personnel, who, collectively, possess 
the ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the health and we lfare of the 
animals in accordance with this code.  
 Animal handlers  should ;  
a) Have knowledge of the animal’s normal (and abnormal) behaviour and needs  
b) Be able to  recognize  signs of good and poor animal health, disease and injury  
c) Be able to  anticipate and/ or recognize  problems early  
d) Be calm , efficient and competent in approach  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      ix e) Know  when to intervene and when to seek assistance  
f) Be w orking  to optimize  management systems, including for the benefit of animal 
welfare  
g) Have knowledge of and ability to identify t he appropriate animals for a particular 
husbandry system. More formal education -based training is a useful complement to 
practical experience.  
 
5.1. Animal Handling during production  
The handling of food animals should be in accordance with the provision s of KS 2761 of 
prevention to cruelty of animals Act cap 360 .  
Proper handling  of animals is essential for their good husbandry. Distress and risk to both 
the animals and their handlers are decreased when good handling practices are followed. 
Some of the r ecommended best practices include;  
5.1.1.  Animals should  be handled at all times in such a way as to minimise the risk 
of pain, injury or distress to the animals.  
5.1.2.  Animals  should not be prodded in the most sensitive areas, including the 
udder, eyes, nose, an us, vulva or testicles.  
5.1.3.  Only the minimum force required should be used when moving animals.  
5.1.3.1.  When encouraging animals to move, audible or visual measures ( e.g. 
Whistling , rattles, plastic cans, stones in a container) should be preferred 
to devices which re ly on physical contact (e.g. Alkathene hoses, stock 
whips, stock canes, and sticks).    
5.1.3.2.  The flow of animals should be monitored, and if necessary controlled, 
at gateways, in narrow laneways and corners, or at other pressure points 
so as to ensure animals, especially young animals unaccustomed to 
yarding, are not injured, trampled or smothered.   
5.1.3.3.  Animals should be allowed  ample time  to calm down after mustering 
to ensure easier and safer handling and to reduce fear.   
5.1.3.4.  Animals in pens or yards should not be overcrowded, but allowed to 
be able to move away from handlers or other animals, because crowding 
is likely to contribute to d istress and injury.   
5.1.4.  The social behavior of animals should be considered when separating 
animals.  
5.1.5.  Care should be taken not to ind uce sudden fear or panic in animals in 
confined spaces such as in pens, corners and gateways, because flight might 
increase the risk of injury.  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  x 5.1.6.  If problems of aggressive behavior  occur, the animals should be separated 
into compatible groups.Groups of horn ed and polled cattle, bulls and cows, and 
calves and unfamiliar older cattle should be held in separate pens when 
yarded.  
5.1.7.  Animals should not be dragged or lifted by the wool, wings , tails,  ears and 
legs or horns.  
5.1.8.   Animals  should not be held on their side or back  for unnecessarily long time   
subjecting it to undue  stress  especially if they are full or if they are heavily 
pregnant.   
5.1.9.  Vehicles should not be used to push animals physically.  
5.1.10.  When dogs are used, they should be under control at all times.  
5.1.11.  Muste ring and Droving of  Animals must not be forced to proceed at a 
pace that will cause exhaustion, heat stress or injury.  
5.1.12.  If ear marking is performed, as little as possible and no more than 
10% of ear tissue should be removed, using an implement that is clean  and 
sharp.  
5.1.13.  Care should be taken when applying an eartag to avoid hitting the 
cartilage ridges or major blood vessels.   
  
5.2. Restraint and Facilities during production   
5.2.1.  All facilities, including fences, yards, sheds, and housing, should be 
constructe d, maintained and operated in a manner that minimises the 
likelihood of distress or injury to animals.  
5.2.2.  Methods of restraining animals should only  be used:  
5.2.2.1.  when they are suitable for those animals being handled;   
5.2.2.2.  where the operators are fully conversant w ith their safe operation;  
5.2.2.3.  if they are in good working order so as to minimise the risk of injury or 
unnecessary pain or distress;  
5.2.2.4.  only for as long as necessary to perform particular husbandry 
practices; and   
5.2.2.5.  where they allow the animal to be released im mediately if required.  
5.2.3.  Animals that are physically restrained should  be kept under supervision.  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      xi 5.2.4.  Tethering should be carried out in a manner so as not to cause injury or 
distress to the animals.  The tether should also allow animal to stand, lie down 
and a ccess any food or water provided.  
5.2.5.  Yard, shed and raceway  design should enable free flow of animals.   
5.2.6.  Yard and shed flooring surfaces should be constructed of material that 
minimises animals slipping.  
5.2.7.  The use of dusty yards should be avoided when livestoc k are predisposed to 
stress and ill -health (e.g. lambs susceptible to pneumonia).  
5.3. Feed  and Water  
Feeding of animals during primary production should be subject to good animal feeding 
practice.  
5.3.1.  Animals should not be given feed and feed ingredient s that:  
5.3.1.1.  are  recognised  as  likely  to  introduce  zoonotic  agents  (including  
transmissible  spongiform encephalopathies - TSEs) to the slaughter 
population; or  
5.3.1.2.  Contain  chemical substances, (e.g. veterinary drugs, pesticides)  or 
contaminants t hat could result in residues in meat at levels that make the 
product unsafe for human consumption.  
5.3.2.  All animals should  receive sufficient quantities of food and nutrients to enable 
them to:  
5.3.2.1.  maintain good health;  
5.3.2.2.  meet their physiological requirements; and  
5.3.2.3.  minimise metabolic and nutritional disorders.  
5.3.3.  All animals must have access to water, sufficient for their daily needs and 
that is not harmful to their health.  
5.3.4.  If animals are to be given feeds to which they are not accustomed (e.g. 
supplementary feeds and cr ops), they should be gradually introduced to those 
feeds to enable them to adapt and to prevent digestive problems associated 
with the change of diet (e.g. lactic acidosis or grain overload). Animals should 
be closely monitored during any change in feed. The feeds shall comply to the 
relevant Kenya standards.  
5.3.5.  Mould -contaminated or excessively dusty supplementary feeds should not be 
fed to livestock.  
5.3.6.  Care should be taken to ensure animals, particularly in late pregnancy, do 
not overfeed. Overfeeding resulti ng in a full rumen can contribute to difficult 
births and, in sheep in full wool, a greater risk of becoming cast.  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xii 5.3.7.  Automated feed delivery and water reticulation systems without any storage 
capacity or other backup supply systems should be checked daily t o ensure 
that they are in working order and any problems promptly rectified.  
5.3.8.  In controlled grazing systems where feed is rationed  the amount of feed 
available on each area should be sufficient to meet the needs of all the animals 
during the time that the y are on that area or the break.  
6.4. Shelter   
5.4.1.  All animals should  have access to shelter to reduce the risk to their health 
and welfare caused by exposure to extreme weather condition s. 
5.4.2.  Animals giving birth should  be provided with an environment a ffording the 
newborn protection from any reasonably expected climatic conditions likely to 
compromise their welfare and survival.  
5.4.3.  Animals should be provided with means to minimise the effects of heat 
stress.  
5.4.4.  Where animals develop health problems associate d with exposure to 
adverse weather conditions, priority should  be given to remedial action that will 
minimise the consequences of such exposure.  
5.5. Housing  
5.5.1.  All animals should  be able to lie down and rest comfortably for sufficient 
periods each day  to meet their behavioural needs.  
5.5.2.  Separate confinement should be provided for those animals under treatment 
for ill -health, injury or disease f or the minimum period possible or those  known 
to be aggressive  
5.5.3.  All fittings and internal surfaces, including ent ry raceway s and adjoining 
yards that may be used by the housed animals, should  be constructed and 
maintained to ensure there are no hazards likely to cause injury to the animals.  
5.5.4.  Building design, or ventilation should  be sufficient to prevent the build -up of 
harmful concentrations of gases such as ammonia and carbon dioxide.  
5.5.5.   Adequate  lighting should be available during daylight hours  
5.6. Health, Injury and Disease  
5.6.1.  Signs of ill -health or injury should result  in timely preventative or remedial 
action, as appropriate.   
5.6.2.  Medication should only be used in accordance with registration conditions 
and manufacturer’s instructions or professional advice.  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      
xiii 5.6.3.  Medical  and surgical treatment should be carried out taking into account the 
animal’s welfare.  
5.6.4.  Veterina ry professional advice as per Cap 366 should be sought where there 
is:  
5.6.4.1.  Significant  injury or disease  
5.6.4.2.  Persistent  or chronic pain  
5.6.4.3.  Persistent ill -thrift and poor performance that does not respond to 
treatment  
5.6.4.4.  Need to establish an appropriate  health plan v) concern about the 
welfare of the animal.  
6. Transportation of animals  
6.1. General considerations  
6.1.1.  Animals should be inspected by a veterinarian or an animal handler to 
assess fitness to travel. If its  fitness to travel is in dou bt, it is the responsibility 
of a veterinarian to determine its ability to  travel. Animals found unfit to travel 
should not be loaded onto a vessel.  
6.1.2.  Animals that are unfit to travel include, but may not be limited to:i) those that 
are sick, injured, weak, disabled or fatigued; ii) those that are unable to stand 
unaided or bear weight on each leg;iii) those that are blind in both eyes;iv) 
those that cannot be moved without causing them additional suffering;v) 
newborn with an unhealed navel;vi) females travell ing without young which 
have given birth within the previous 48 hours; vii) pregnant animals which would 
be in the final 10% of their gestation period at the planned time of unl oading;  
viii) animals with unhealed wounds from recent surgical procedures such as 
dehorning.  
6.1.3.  Drivers and animal handlers should check the load immediately before 
departure  to ensure that the animals have been properly loaded. Each load 
should be checked again early in the trip and adjustments made as 
appropriate. Periodic checks shou ld be made throughout the trip, especially at 
rest or refueling stops or during meal breaks when the vehicle is stationary.  
6.1.4.  Careful driving will help prevent bruises and injuries, weight losses, rapid 
acceleration or sudden brakes should be avoided becaus e poor driving can 
cause animals to lose their balance  
6.1.5.  Transportation of animals should follow the most direct stock route and be 
undertaken in a timely manner to avoid unnecessary stress to the animals.  
6.1.6.  Animals should not be transported with any other ani mal species other than 
of their own, however sheep and goats may be transported together  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xiv 6.1.7.  Goats, sheep,  pigs and poultry, should be carried in appropriate containers 
when necessary  
6.1.8.  Animals should not be transported in vehicles intended for human 
transporta tion. 
Temperature extremes are to be avoided when animals are transported.  
6.2. Methods of restraining or containing animals  
Methods of restraining animals should be appropriate to the species and age of animals 
involved and the training of the individual anima l. 
6.3. Loading of animals.  
6.3.1.  Loading should be carefully planned as it has the potential to be the cause of 
poor welfare in transported animals.  
6.3.2.  Loading should be supervised and/or conducted by animal handlers . The 
animals are to be loaded quietly and  without unnecessary noise, harassment 
or force. Untrained assistants or spectators should not impede the process. 
Animals should not be loaded or unloaded in a way that causes avoidable 
injury or suffering. Ramps should be used.  
6.3.3.  A system of early identifi cation of injured animals prior to loading/unloading 
and an action plan should be in place and known to all employees.  
6.3.4.  Animals should not be rushed during loading and unloading.  
6.3.5.  Tipping of animals off vehicles during offloading should not be practiced.  
6.3.6.  Beating and twisting/breaking tails, eye and nose poking and pouring hot 
water on the animal should be avoided.  
6.4. Loading f acilities  
6.4.1.  The facilities for loading including the collecting area, raceway s and loading 
ramps should be designed and constru cted to take into account the needs and 
abilities of the animals with regard to dimensions, slopes, surface s, absence of 
sharp projections and flooring.   
6.4.2.  Loading facilities should be properly illuminated to allow the animals to be 
observed by animal handle r(s), and to allow the ease of movement of the 
animals at all times.  
6.4.3.  Adequate Ventilation and spacing should be provided during loading.  
6.5. Goads and other aids  
When moving animals, their species -specific  behaviour should be used. If goads and other 
aids ar e necessary, the following principles should apply:  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      xv 6.5.1.  Animals that have little or no room to move should not be subjected to 
physical force or goads and other aids which compel movement. Electric goads 
and prods should only be used in extreme cas es and not on a routine basis to 
move animals  
6.5.2.    The use of such devices should be limited to battery -powered goads on the 
hindquarters of pigs and large ruminants, and never on sensitive areas such as 
the eyes, mouth, ears, an genital region or belly. Such  instruments should not 
be used on sheep and goats of any age, or on calves or piglets.  
 
6.6. Regulating the environment within vehicles or containers  
6.6.1.  Loading density should be reduced in hot and humid weather   
6.6.2.  Animals should be protected against  harm from hot or cold conditions during 
travel. The container should have effective ventilation.    
6.6.3.  Where necessary, a cost effective controlled environment should be provided   
6.6.4.  Non-slip flooring should be provided to minimize slipping  
6.6.5.  Vehicle doors and i nternal gates should be large enough to permit animals to 
pass through easily without bruising or injury  
6.6.6.  All vehicles and containers used for transporting animals should have sides, 
and where appropriate, partitions that are secure, strong, and high enough  to 
prevent animals from jumping, falling or being pushed out.  
6.6.7.  Vehicles and containers should have a quick release mechanism for 
partitions used to separate large animals to enable release of animals in the 
event of straddling.  
6.6.8.  Vehicles and containers shou ld have secure, smooth fittings, and should be 
free of protruding bolt heads and any other sharp protrusions. Bolts or latches 
should fasten securely so that the animals will not move them.  
6.6.9.  Provision should be made for the drainage or absorption of urine o f animals 
during the transportation.  
6.6.10.   Suitable bedding such as straw or wood shavings or appropriate mats 
can be added to vehicles to assist in absorbing urine and faeces, provide 
better footing for the animals and protect them from the hard floor.  
6.6.11.  Vehicl es and containers used to transport animals should be cleaned, 
sanitized, and equipped with enough suitable fresh bedding at all times  
6.6.12.  Vehicles used to carry animals should be safe and effective for 
movement of the animals. Vehicles used to pull trailers s hould have sufficient 
power to smoothly accelerate the unit and sufficient braking ability to stop 
safely.  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xvi 6.6.13.  Sufficient ventilation should be available at all times while the animals 
are on a vehicle. Aerodynamic airfoils installed on truck tractors to enha nce 
fuel efficiency should not restrict airflow into the trailer which is necessary for 
ventilation and cooling. Appropriate measures should be taken to prevent 
engine exhaust from entering the area occupied by the animals.  
6.6.14.  When animals are transported in  crates or bins, the design, 
construction, available space and state of repair should allow the animals to be 
loaded, conveyed, and removed without injury.  
6.6.15.  Chutes should take advantage of natural behaviour of animals. Most 
species prefer to follow a leade r and to have no harsh changes in lighting. 
Animal handling is more easily accomplished if the alleyways and ramps have 
no sharp turns that could impede movement or could cause injury.  
6.6.16.  Unless animals can be seen easily from outside the containers, every 
container used to transport animals should have a sign or symbol to indicate 
that it contains live animals and to show its upright position.  
6.6.17.  Containers used for transporting animals should be securely placed 
on vehicles to prevent them from moving during t he journey.  
6.6.18.  When transporting animals in containers, attention should be given to 
temperature, ventilation, facilities, and available space during the entire 
journey.  
6.6.19.  Containers that hold animals should be tilted as little as possible 
during all stages o f loading and unloading. Containers should always be 
moved smoothly and never thrown or dropped.   
6.6.20.  Recommended space requirements for transportation of food animals 
should be used to avoid overcrowding as recommended in Table 1.  
6.6.21.   
Table 1— Recommended space  requirements for transportation of food animals.  
 
Type of animal  Approximate 
weight (Kg)  Minimum area 
(M2) per animal  Number of animals in a truck  
5.3 M x 2.2 M           4.5 M x 2.2 M  
Cattle (  
 > 300  1.4 7 – 10 5 – 8 
< 300  0.9 10 – 11 9 - 10 
Pigs 
 < 100 0.4 14 – 15 11 - 13 
> 100  0.8 31 – 34 28 - 30 
Sheep and goats (  
 < 35 0.3 14 – 16 10 - 12 
> 35 0.4 35 – 40 30 - 35 
 DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      
xvii Table 3: Recommended space requirements for transportation of food animals - chicken  
Maximum Loading and 
Transportation Densities  Moderate  Extreme heat  
Broiler Chickens  63kg/m2 54kg/m2 
Broiler Breeders  66kg/m2 56kg/m2 
Turkeys  98kg/m2 83kg/m2 
End-of-Lay Hens  63kg/m2 54kg/m2 
 
6.7. Sick, injured or dead animals  
6.7.1.  A driver or an animal handler finding sick, injured or dead an imals should act 
according to a predetermined emergency response plan.  
6.7.2.  Sick or injured animals should be segregated.  
6.7.3.  Ferries (roll -on roll -off) should have procedures to treat sick or injured 
animals during the journey.  
6.7.4.  In order to reduce the likelihood t hat animal transport will increase the spread 
of infectious disease, contact between transported animals, or the waste 
products of the transported animals, and other farm animals should be 
minimized.  
6.7.5.  During the journey, when disposal of a dead animal becom es necessary, this 
should be carried out in such a way as to prevent the transmission of disease 
and in compliance with all relevant health and environmental legislation.  
6.7.6.  When killing is necessary, it should be carried out as quickly as possible and 
assis tance should be sought from a veterinarian or other person(s) competent 
in humane killing procedures.  
6.7.7.  At the destination, the animal handler or the driver during transit should 
ensure that responsibility for the welfare of sick, injured or disabled animals  is 
transferred to a veterinar y professional . 
6.7.8.  If treatment or humane killing is not possible aboard the vehicle, there should 
be appropriate facilities and equipment for the humane unloading of animals 
that are non -ambulatory due to fatigue, injury or sick ness. These animals 
should be unloaded in a manner that causes the least amount of suffering. 
After unloading, separate pens and other appropriate facilities should be 
available for sick or injured animals.  
6.7.9.   Addressing disease risks during transportation  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xviii 6.7.9.1.  The following should be taken into account in addressing the greater 
risk of disease due to animal transport and the possible need for 
segregation of transported animals at the destination:  
6.7.9.2.  Increased contact among animals, including those from different 
sources and with different disease histories;  
6.7.9.3.  Increased shedding of pathogens and increased susceptibility to 
infection related to stress and impaired defenses against disease, 
including immunosuppression;  
6.7.9.4.  Exposure of animals to pathogens which may contami nate vehicles, 
resting points, markets, etc.  
 
6.8. Water and feed requirements during transportation  
Feeding or watering should be provided if  the journey/purpose so requires  
6.9. Care of animals during transport : In-transit observations,  Rest periods and 
condition s  
6.9.1.  Drivers should start, drive, and stop trucks smoothly to prevent animals from 
being thrown off their feet.  
6.9.2.  Drivers should check each load immediately before departure to ensure that 
the animals have been properly loaded. Each load should be checked again 
early in the trip and adjustments made as appropriate. Drivers should check for 
signs of general discomfort of the animals, such as overheating. Periodic 
checks should be made throughout the trip  
6.9.3.  High environment temperatures will increase  the risk of heat stress and 
mortality during transportation. It is important to transport animals in vehicles 
during the cooler mornings and evenings or even at night. This is particularly 
important for pigs. A combination of high humidity and high enviro nment 
temperatures is especially deadly to pigs. Heat can rapidly build up to lethal 
levels in a stationary vehicle. Wetting pigs with water will help keep them cool  
6.9.4.  Animals that are being transported should be rested at appropriate intervals 
during the jo urney and offered feed and water, either on the vehicle or, if 
necessary, unloaded into suitable facilities.  
6.9.5.  When resting requires the unloading of the animals. These facilities should 
meet the needs of the particular animal species and should allow acces s of all 
animals to feed and water.  
6.9.6.  Animals being transported by rail should be observed at each scheduled 
stop. The responsible rail transporter should monitor the progress of trains 
carrying animals and take all appropriate action to minimize delays .  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      
xix 6.10.  Unloading and post -journey handling  
6.10.1.  General considerations  
6.10.1.1.  Unloading should be supervised and/or  conducted by an animal 
handler with knowledge and experience of the behavioral and physical 
characteristics of the species being unloaded. Anim als should be 
unloaded from the vehicle into appropriate facilities as soon as possible 
after arrival at the destination but sufficient time should be allowed for 
unloading to proceed quietly and without unnecessary noise, harassment 
or force.  
6.10.1.2.  Facilities should provide all animals with appropriate care and comfort, 
adequate space and ventilation, access to feed (if appropriate) and water, 
and shelter from extreme weather conditions.  
6.10.1.3.  Care should be taken when unloading sick or injured animals.  
6.10.2.  Cleaning and  disinfection  
6.10.4.1.  Vehicles, crates,  containers, etc. used to carry the animals should be 
cleaned before re -use through the physical removal of manure and 
bedding by scraping, washing and flushing with water and detergent. This 
should be fo llowed by disinfection when there are concerns about disease 
transmission.  
6.10.4.2.  Manure, litter, bedding and the bodies of any animals which die during 
the journey should be disposed of in such a way as to prevent the 
transmission of disease and in compliance w ith all relevant health and 
environmental legislation.  
6.10.4.3.  Establishments like livestock markets, slaughterhouses, resting sites, 
railway stations, etc. where animals are unloaded should be provided with 
appropriate areas for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles.  
 
6.10.3.  Actions in the event of a refusal to allow the completion of the 
journey  
6.10.3.1.  The welfare of the animals should be the first consideration in the 
event of a refusal to allow the completion of the journey.  
6.10.3.2.  When the animals have b een refused import, the Competent Authority 
of the importing country should make available suitable isolation facilities 
to allow the unloading of animals from a vehicle and their secure holding, 
without posing a risk to the health of national herd or floc k, pending 
resolution of the situation. In this situation, the priorities should be:  
6.10.3.2.1.  The Competent Authority of the importing country should 
provide urgently in writing the reasons for the refusal;  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xx 6.10.3.2.2.  In the event of a refusal for anima l health reasons, the 
Competent Authority of the importing country should provide urgent 
access to a veterinarian, to assess the health status of the animals 
with regard to the concerns of the importing country, and the 
necessary facilities and approvals t o expedite the required diagnostic 
testing;  
6.10.3.2.3.  The Competent Authority of the importing country should 
provide access to allow continued assessment of the health and other 
aspects of the welfare of the animals;  
6.10.3.3.  In the event that a Competent Authority requir es the animals to remain 
on the vehicle, the priorities should be:  
6.10.3.3.1.  To allow provisioning of the vehicle with water and feed as 
necessary;  
6.10.3.3.2.  To provide urgently in writing the reasons for the refusal;  
6.10.3.3.3.  To provide urgent access to an in dependent veterinarian(s) to 
assess the health status of the animals, and the necessary facilities 
and approvals to expedite the required diagnostic testing in the event 
of a refusal for animal health reasons;  
6.10.3.3.4.  To provide access to allow continued assessme nt of the health 
and other aspects of the welfare of the animals, and the necessary 
actions to deal with any animal issues which arise.  
6.10.3.4.  Animals should not be unloaded until all relevant documentation is 
presented. The documentation should include date, ti me and place of 
loading and unloading, veterinary certification when required, animal 
identification to allow animal t raceability  to the premise of departure, 
health status (including any tests, treatment or vaccinations carried out).  
7. Trekking  
7.1. Movem ent of animals is subject to existing regulations by the competent 
authority.  
7.2. Only cattle, sheep and goats can be successfully moved on hoof, and here 
certain risks are involved. The journey should be planned, paying attention to the 
distance to be travell ed, opportunities for grazing, watering and overnight rest.  
7.3. Animals should be walked during the cooler times of the day and, if moving some 
distance to a railhead, they should arrive with sufficient time to be rested and 
watered before loading.  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      
xxi 7.4. The maximu m distances that these animals should be trekked depend on various 
factors such as weather, body condition, age etc., but the distance given in Table 
2 should not be exceeded when trekked.  
Table 4: Maximum distances for trekking  
Species  One day jour ney More than one day  Subsequent days  
Cattle     30 km              24 km                     22 km  
Sheep/goats     24 km               24 km                     16 km  
 
8. Point of use  
Animals should not be received until all relevant documentation is presented.  The 
documentation should include date, time and place of loading and unloading, veterinary 
certification when required, animal identification to allow animal traceability to the premise 
of departure, health status (including any tests, treatment or vaccin ations carried out).  
8.1. Slaughter  
8.1.1.  All animals should be slaughtered in a slaughterhouse operated by a 
competent authority and should be in accordance with the provisions in KS 
2761 and KS EAS 39 and the Meat Control Act.  
8.1.2.  Persons in charge of slaughter premises must ensure that animals are cared 
for by a sufficient number of personnel who possess  the appropriate ability, 
knowledge and professional competencies to maintain the health and welfare 
of animals.  
8.1.3.  During the slaughter of animals, the f ollowing methods, procedures or 
practices are unacceptable on animal welfare grounds:  
8.1.4.  The restraining methods which work through el ectro-immobilization or 
immobilization by injury such as breaking legs, leg tendon cutting, and severing 
the spinal cord (e.g  using  a puntilla or dagger) cause severe pain and stress in 
animals. Those methods are not acceptable in any species.  
8.1.5.  The use of the electrical stunning method of with a single application leg to 
leg is ineffective in any species.  
8.1.6.  The slaughter method of  brain stem severance by piercing through the eye 
socket or skull bone without prior stunning is not acceptable in any species . 
8.2. Exhibitions  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xxii 8.2.1.  The operator should ensure that the size and shape of the enclosure 
complies KS 2773 and any other relevan t Kenya Standards and the provisions 
of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act CAP 360.  
8.2.2.  Operators and staff should understand their responsibilities and collectively 
manage the facility to ensure the health, welfare, safety and security of animals 
is mai ntained  / achieved.  
8.2.3.  The operator must ensure that an animal’s dietary requirements are met 
while the animal is held within the enclosure/facility.  
8.2.4.  Enclosures shall be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure the 
welfare, security and safety of animal s. 
8.2.5.  Enclosures should be maintained in such a way that they cause the least 
possible amount of noise.  
8.2.6.  The operator must ensure enclosures are designed, constructed, and 
managed to:  
8.2.6.1.  provide a safe environment for the animals contained within them;  
8.2.6.2.  Cater for the needs of the animals contained within them by providing 
appropriate:  
8.2.6.2.1.  temperature and humidity gradients;  
8.2.6.2.2.  ventilation;  
8.2.6.2.3.  lighting;  
8.2.6.2.4.  shelter and protection from climate extremes;  
8.2.6.2.5.  retreat: The enclosure should also provide o pportunities for the 
animals to relax, feel secure, rest and avoid disturbance.  
8.2.6.2.6.  substrate materials : The operator should ensure that substrate 
used within an enclosure are not harmful to the animal, are kept in a 
hygienic condition, permit effective drain age; and allow for 
appropriate natural behaviours.  
8.2.6.2.7.  space dimensions: The space should be appropriate for the 
species in the enclosure, the developmental stage of each animal in 
the enclosure, the number of animals housed in the enclosure and 
social groupin gs. 
8.2.6.2.8.  protection from predation.  
8.2.6.2.9.  control of health risks to the animals, including those arising 
from parasites and pests and other unwanted/incompatible animals 
entering the enclosure.  DKS 2829:2018  
 
             ©KEBS 201 8— All rights reserved      
xxiii 8.3. Use of animals for scientific research  
8.3.1.  The care and use of an imals for scientific purposes must be subject to ethical 
review. A judgement as to whether a proposed use of animals is ethically 
acceptable must be based on information that demonstrates the principles in 
Clause 1.1, and must balance whether the potential  effects on the wellbeing of 
the animals involved is justified by the potential benefits.  
8.3.2.  The obligation to respect animals, and the responsibilities associated with 
this obligation, apply throughout the animal’s lifetime, including acquisition, 
transport , breeding, housing, husbandry, use of the animal in a project, and 
provisions for the animal at the conclusion of their use.  
8.3.3.  Respect for animals must underpin all decisions and actions involving the 
care and use of animals for scientific purposes. This r espect is demonstrated 
by:  
8.3.3.1.  using animals only when it is justified  
8.3.3.2.  supporting the well being of the animals involved  
8.3.3.3.  avoiding or minimising harm, including pain and distress, to those 
animals  
8.3.3.4.  applying high standards of scientific integrity   
8.3.3.5.  knowing and accepting one’s responsibilities.  
8.3.3.6.  applying Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the  3Rs) at all 
stages of animal care and  use:          
8.3.3.6.1.  the Replacement of animals with other methods  
8.3.3.6.2.  the Reduction in the number of animal s used  
8.3.3.6.3.  the Refinement of techniques used to minimise the adverse 
impact on animals  
8.4. Markets  
8.4.1.  The markets should have suitable premises for loading, unloading and 
securely holding the animals, with water and feed, and with protection from 
adverse  weather conditions until further transport, sale or other use (including 
rearing or slaughter).  
8.4.2.  The markets should have an adequate number of animal handlers to load, 
unload, drive and hold animals in a manner that causes minimum stress and 
injury.  DKS 2829:2018  
         ©KEBS 2018  — All rights reserved  xxiv 8.4.3.  The ma nagement of the market should put measures in place to minimise 
the opportunities for disease transmission, in consultation with the Competent 
Authority. Provisions should be made for isolation of sick or ‘suspect’  
8.4.4.  The markets should be equipped with appro priate facilities for emergencies.  
8.4.5.  The space requirements should be adequate for various classes of animals 
to avoid congestion and stress.  
8.4.6.  The market should have provisions for separate classes of animals.