Long-distance transport is highly stressful for animals. It is therefore of crucial importance – if such journeys are to take place at all – that animals are provided with a rest period off the vehicle and given access to feed and water after a certain period of transport. This time allows the animals to rest and also provides an opportunity to assess their condition and determine whether they remain fit for further transport.
Crystal Brook is an official spell yard located approximately 1,100 kilometres from the Western Australia–South Australia border. Both cattle and sheep from Western Australia can be unloaded there, held in outdoor pens, fed and watered.
There is no prescribed minimum resting period for the animals. However, we were informed that they generally remain at the facility for approximately 24 hours. Depending on the length of time the animals were without feed and water before the journey commenced, the resting period may be shorter or longer. The outdoor sheep pens are not covered, meaning that the animals are exposed to all weather conditions. Some cattle pens, however, include roofed areas that offer at least some protection from extreme or adverse weather.
We were informed that sufficient space is provided for all animals to lie down and rest simultaneously. In addition, they are supplied with dry feed and water up until they are reloaded onto the vehicles. The loading ramps are fit for purpose, lighting is available for night-time operations, and, to our understanding, management is almost always present to provide assistance when required.
Overall, our observations indicate that this spell yard appears to be generally suitable for unloading and temporarily holding animals. We will provide the relevant authorities and other appropriate stakeholders with a detailed assessment of the facility.
