The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently approved a new policy on the humane transport of equines which reaffirms the organization’s opposition to double-deck trailers to transport horses and other equines.

The new policy also provides some guidelines on assessing trailers for equine transport. Considerations include: sufficient headroom so horses can stand with their heads at normal height; appropriate ventilation; no protrusions that can cause injury; doors and ramps big enough to provide safe loading and unloading; appropriate footing and enough space to redistribute weight should the trailer shift; and segregating stallions and other aggressive horses.

To see the complete policy, go to www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_welfare/equine_transport.asp.