New equine traceability system to launch in Eire, as annual horse census takes place

A brand new equine traceability system is to be launched in Eire, because the nation’s equine census takes place.

The Division of Agriculture, Meals and the Marine (DAFM) introduced that the 2024 census is the “first step” in the direction of the introduction of a brand new traceability system, so it was “vitally vital” keepers full the return.

The necessary census takes place yearly – those that don’t return it are “committing an offence and is probably not eligible for funds beneath DAFM equine-related schemes”. As well as for 2024, the DAFM states that failure to return the census could, in future, stop keepers from with the ability to register foals and export and promote horses.

The DAFM mentioned the census was to be accomplished on 30 November and submitted by 20 December.

A DAFM spokesperson instructed H&H that former Horse Sport Eire (HSI) chairman Paddy Wall, a professor of public well being in College Faculty Dublin (UCD) and a member of the UCD Institute for Meals and Well being, has been tasked with finishing up a evaluation of the equine traceability system in Eire and his suggestions are anticipated shortly. Following this, additional particulars of the brand new system can be introduced.

The keeper of each premises, the place any equines are stored as at 30 November, ought to full the census, together with livery yard house owners on behalf of the horses stored there.

Info recorded consists of what number of equines completely reside on the holding, the variety of those that have passports and the quantity but to be issued passports (sometimes foals). Common equine life numbers and microchip numbers must also be included.

H&H reported on breeders’ issues about delays in receiving new HSI foal passports, with backlogs reported following the launch of a brand new on-line passport system “designed to simplify and improve the method” (information, 21 November).

On the time, HSI acknowledged the issues and mentioned it was “working tirelessly” clearing the backlog, which had been brought on by the quantity of purposes obtained within the few weeks of the brand new system. As at 29 November, of 6,101 purposes obtained, 2,057 passports had been issued.

Breeder Emily Cooper, who has now obtained the 2 foal passports she utilized for on the finish of July, instructed H&H the census and new traceability system are “extremely vital” – however mentioned there was a scarcity of communication total.

“I used to be fortunate to obtain my passports in time, however there was poor communication from HSI on full the census in case you don’t have your passport,” she mentioned.

“I respect there’s extra data coming from the DAFM concerning the new traceability system, however I hope there can be conferences so there might be discussions on the way it’s managed. My concern is that we’ll run into one other automobile crash.”

HSI instructed H&H the census is a DAFM initiative and all queries ought to be directed to DAFM. A DAFM spokesperson added that the census recognises that horses could be awaiting a passport and this ought to be indicated on the shape.

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H&H senior information author

Since becoming a member of H&H in 2018, Becky has coated a broad vary of equestrian information together with welfare issues, veterinary research, FEI Tribunal hearings and street security campaigns. She has additionally interviewed high riders together with Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to call only a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, in addition to the Royal Highland and Blair Fort Worldwide Horse Trials nearer to residence. She was additionally a key a part of the distant reporting workforce for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.