I understand that Irish cattle traffic through Holyhead and Birkenhead, then onwards by rail, became the last authorised movements of cattle by rail on BR. All other cattle movements on BR had ceased. This also applied to sheep, pigs and goats etc. which used the same wagons. The wagon had partitions so that different animals could be carried at the same time or a small number of animals could be accommodated.
My memories; Sorry, but I may have missed some instructions out. Rail staff had to examine all livestock to ensure they were fit to travel and provide reasonable assistance with loading. Any animal near to calving was not to be accepted. TT attested cattle were to be kept separate from non-attested. Calves, sheep and goats not to be loaded with horses or mules. Boars must be kept separate. Small ponies must not be loaded with horses. Bulls to be tethered to the wagon. Animals travelling under licence, - licence and invoice to be clipped onto wagon side with invoice. All loading was to be completed before the sender signed the consignment note. Finally, BR staff to have the last word in regard to loading.
Watering; Horses, cattle, pigs and goats every 24 hours. Cattle and pigs only, may be left unwatered if they can reach their destination in 27 hours. Sheep 36 hours. Feed to be provided at time of watering.
My memories; Sorry, but I may have missed some instructions out. Rail staff had to examine all livestock to ensure they were fit to travel and provide reasonable assistance with loading. Any animal near to calving was not to be accepted. TT attested cattle were to be kept separate from non-attested. Calves, sheep and goats not to be loaded with horses or mules. Boars must be kept separate. Small ponies must not be loaded with horses. Bulls to be tethered to the wagon. Animals travelling under licence, - licence and invoice to be clipped onto wagon side with invoice. All loading was to be completed before the sender signed the consignment note. Finally, BR staff to have the last word in regard to loading.
Watering; Horses, cattle, pigs and goats every 24 hours. Cattle and pigs only, may be left unwatered if they can reach their destination in 27 hours. Sheep 36 hours. Feed to be provided at time of watering.