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86. Any recumbent cow must be examined by a veterinary surgeon
before the farmer attempts to use lifting gear and, initially, the veterinary surgeon should supervise the operation (paragraph 315).
87. Where time cannot be given to proper nursing, casualty slaughter or humane destruction on-farm should be considered at an early stage. It is an offence to transport an animal that is incapable of rising. It should either be slaughtered on-farm or loaded in the presence, and under the supervision, of a veterinary surgeon for it to be transported to a place for veterinary treatment (paragraph 316).
88. Whatever type of lifting gear is used, care must be taken not to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to the animal (paragraph 317).
89. The recumbent cow should be isolated, her movement restricted and she should be visited, at suitable intervals, by a veterinary surgeon who will assess her condition (paragraph 318).
90. The Government should examine the welfare implications of any apparatus which cannot lift the cow without damage or pain (paragraph 319).