Livestock Rollover
Livestock are transported for various reasons throughout their life in the production chain. Livestock transportation is regulated federally through the Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations, and provincially through The Animal Production Act and The Animal Production Regulations. Transporters are required to have a contingency plan which details alternate routes or locations to safely deliver the animals in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit requirements for transporting livestock in Canada and Saskatchewan requirements.
1. General Guidelines
To secure the scene of a livestock rollover, attend to the driver, if you are able. If possible, try to stop traffic and herd/corral any loose livestock to prevent further accidents and/or traffic obstructions. Avoid making loud noises or abrupt movements when handling livestock as they may be easily spooked.
Remember to never risk your life to save those of livestock. Always ensure personal safety.
2. First Responder Guidelines
The following considerations can guide first responders arriving on the scene of a livestock rollover.
- If possible, herd/corral any loose livestock to prevent further accidents and/or traffic obstructions. Avoid making loud noises or abrupt movements when handling livestock as they may be easily spooked. Refer to the Livestock Handling Information for Emergencies document for handling tips for various species.
- Co-ordinate with the driver, transportation company and/or local livestock producers to obtain panels and/or livestock trailers.
- Sask Pork has Livestock Emergency Response Units for deployment in livestock rollover situations; find how to contact them on the Emergency Contacts and Resources page.
- Contact local veterinarians to assist in identifying compromised/injured livestock, extraction methods and if there is a requirement to humanely euthanize the livestock.
- If a local veterinarian is unavailable, the American Veterinary Medical Association provides guidelines for humane euthanasia.
- Assist the driver in contacting the owner of the livestock and to ensure that all livestock are accounted for. If livestock are loose and become stray, use the information on the
Animal Control webpage as a resource.
- If there are questions or concerns regarding ownership, contact Livestock Services of Saskatchewan.