Horse owners
The Horse Passport Regulations 2009 add to the existing legislation which states that all horses should have a horse passport. From 1 July 2009, the regulations require that horse passports are linked to the animal by a uniquely-coded identification microchip.
Q: How do I get a horse passport?
A: An application must be made to a Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) - contact DEFRA for further information.
Q: Will my animals be covered by the new legislation?
A: The new regulations apply to all horses (including ponies, donkeys and other equidae) plus exotic equines such as zebra.
Q: How will this affect me as an owner?
A: For passports issued after 30 June 2009, foals must be implanted with a microchip before 31 December of the year of their birth, or, within six months of birth, whichever
is later. Other adult horses not previously issued with passports should also be microchipped.
Q: What about wild and semi-wild horses?
A: Owners of adult horses and ponies on Dartmoor, Exmoor and the New Forest will be required to microchip their animals if treated by a veterinary surgeon.
Q: Under this new legislation, who is allowed to implant a microchip into my horse?
A: Only veterinary surgeons can implant a microchip into a horse.
Q: When will I have to produce my horse's passport?
A: The owner or keeper with primary responsibility must produce the passport without delay in the event of an inspection, unless the horse is stabled or at pasture or being moved on foot, at which time the passport can be made available within three hours. If the owner is not able to produce the passport during a veterinary visit, the vet will not be able to administer certain drugs and may need to use an alternative and often more expensive product.
Q: What happens when a horse passes away?
A: When a horse passes away, the owner must send the passport back to the PIO to be recorded within 30 days. The passport will be returned to the owner once the process is completed.
Q: Whose responsibility is it to ensure the regulations are followed?
A: The owner or keeper with primary responsibility (a person who takes care of the animal on a day to day basis) must ensure their horse is correctly identified. Owner noncompliance is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000. Only owners can apply for a passport. Remember: Even where not legally required, the process of microchipping can be hugely beneficial if your horse is lost or is stolen.
Note: The information supplied is correct at the time of print (April 2009)
