New horse identification rules from 1 July 2009

New horse identification rules from 1 July 2009 New EU rules that harmonise horse identification regulations across Europe and strengthen the horse passports scheme will take effect in the UK from 1 July 2009. The new regulations will require all foals born after 1 July, and horses born before 30 June that have not yet been issued with a passport, to have a microchip implanted by a veterinary surgeon when their owners apply for a passport.

Compulsory micro-chipping aids accurate identification as it provides a permanent link between the horse and its passport.

Horse passports will clearly identify those horses which are not eligible for the food chain if they have been treated with substances which are potentially harmful to humans.   By strengthening the current passport system we reduce the risk to human health, avoid the withdrawal of key veterinary medicines, and protect the horse meat trade in this country.

Micro-chipping will also help recover and identify stolen and abandoned horses, as well assist with welfare cases.

The new Regulation will introduce a number of other changes from 1 July 2009 including:

• Adult horses born before 30 June 2009 and not previously issued with a passport must have one by 31 December 2009 and signed out of the food chain;
• Ponies on Dartmoor, Exmoor and the New Forest will not need to be identified unless treated by a vet, as long as they stay within the designated area; Special arrangements are in place for when these ponies are moved from these areas to the first holding of destination;
• Only veterinary surgeons are allowed to implant a microchip. Prior to inserting a microchip the vet will check for an existing microchip or evidence that one has been removed;
• Zebras and other exotic equines will also be subject to this legislation;
• If the passport is not available or the vet does not know whether or not the  horse is eligible for entry into the food chain, the vet should not administer drugs not authorised for food producing animals e.g. phenylbutazone ("bute") and must use an alternative product. Additionally, if the passport is not available when the vet is there, the owner is responsible for ensuring that any drugs administered are recorded in the passport;
• Owners and keepers with primary responsibility (a person who takes care of the animal on a day to day basis e.g. Full Livery, Racehorse trainers etc) must ensure their horses are correctly identified and be able to produce the passport without delay in the event of an inspection;
• Only owners can apply for a passport;
• The passport must accompany the horse at all times unless stabled, at pasture, or moved on foot when the passport can be made available within three hours; and
• When a horse passes away, the owner must send the passport back to the Passport Issuing Organisation within 30 days to be recorded - the passport may be returned to the owner once the process is completed if requested.
  
  For more information on the new EU horse ID regulations, click on this link: www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/id-move/horses/index.htm
  
  Information supplied by DEFRA

Email this article to a friend or share

---

Voices for Horses offers news, articles and videos from third party providers unless otherwise stated. We do not endorse the views expressed or content and make it available to you only as a service. All news items, articles and videos are copyright of the authors, film makers and original publications.

<< Back to Advice and Information Archive