It is something that many pony owners give little thought to until they have to. While keeping abreast of rule changes in their chosen sphere, whether showing, eventing, dressage,or show jumping, many remain unaware of the rules in place governing how an owner can dispose of their horse at the end of its life
Notices in national and regional newspapers at the end of 2003 alerted many in the horse industry to one particular rule change that some believe may have far-reaching implications, for horses and owners alike. From 1 January this year, all equines in Ireland are required by law to have a passport. This legislation is designed to protect the European horsemeat consumer, as all prohibited drugs administered to the horse must be recorded on its passport. While horsemeat is not a dish served here in Ireland, many Irish horses are shipped to the continent for consumption after destruction, at an Irish abattoir. The Department of Agriculture has stipulated that Irish abattoirs can only accept equines that have passports. In October 2003, it was estimated that upwards of 20,000 equines were without this documentation.
Two months into 2004, although there have been a number of enquiries, no major take-up of passports has occurred, according to Dermot Ryan, director general of the Irish Horse Board, the organization which issues the passports. Obviously a significant number of horses in the country already have the required documentation. All thoroughbreds registered with Weatherbys and horses registered with the Irish Horse Board automatically have passports. However, there is another large percentage of Irish equines; horses, ponies and donkeys that have never needed them. Many believe that it is these horses that will be put at risk by this legislation Discount
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