Equine ID in Scotland, Wales and England
Improving traceability and biosecurity.
As part of the British Horse Council, we successfully engaged with the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments to bring in equine identification legislation that will better protect horses. These regulations make it a legal requirement for all horses in England, Wales and Scotland to be identified, meaning that the animal will have to be microchipped and passported, and introduced civil sanctions for those who do not comply, such as fixed penalty notices.
An effective identification system is not only vital in encouraging responsible ownership but helps give a much clearer picture of the equine population, which is vital in the event of a disease outbreak. It enables horse owners to benefit from increased traceability, making it easier for them to be reunited with lost or stolen horses. In addition, the ability to accurately link every horse to an owner increases traceability and ensures owners can be held accountable in the case of welfare problems or abandonment, rather than simply discarding their unwanted animals with no consequences.
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