DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (News Release ref
:355/08) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 10 November 2008
Defra has launched
a consultation to revise the existing equine identification
legislation. The consultation period runs from 10th November 2008
to 10 February 2009.
The main requirement for the new Horse Identification legislation
is the compulsory microchipping of foals born after 1 July 2009.
This requirement will not be retrospective for older horses.
Under the current legislation, all equidae are required to have
identification. The new regulation aims to improve this current
method of identification by linking each ID issued to an
electronic microchip implanted into the animal. Linking the
microchip and ID, which are both recorded as a unique life number
on a national database, will reduce risks to human health by
stopping certain animals entering the food chain, help disease
surveillance, and aid recovery of lost or stolen horses.
The purpose of the consultation is to seek views on draft
Regulations intended to apply Commission Regulation (EC) No
504/2008 in England. The consultation document is confined to the
application of a number of derogations provided for in the
Regulation, along with new offences created and penalties for non compliance.
The consultation can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/equine-id/index.htm
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
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