THE Department of Agriculture believes that confusion over the recent introduction of new equine export rules has been removed following a meeting of industry stakeholders this week.

As reported in The Irish Field last weekend, the new rules require exporters to carry out extra identification checks on all horses leaving Ireland. Every horse must have a functioning embedded microchip and the paperwork must now include a screenshot of that microchip number being recognised on the Department’s database.

The new rules contained specific requirements for horses foaled outside Ireland and there are exemptions for cases involving short-term movements, such as horses going abroad for races or shows.

Speaking following a meeting arranged this week between Weatherbys Ireland, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and Department of Agriculture officials, Minister of State Martin Heydon T.D. said: “I am acutely aware of the confusion that the introduction of new traceability rules on the export of equines caused this week among owners and transporters. It is vital that the industry has clarity when changes are introduced to prevent disruption to trade.

“Thankfully, a positive and constructive meeting was held between Weatherbys Ireland, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and officials from my Department on Wednesday, where a number of pressing queries where clarified. I believe this is a solid foundation on which to build further collaboration with industry stakeholders into the future.”

Peter O’Reilly, CEO of the ITBA, commented: “This initiative from the Department was unexpected and understandably caused some angst among breeders and members, particularly as it arrived at one of the busiest times of the year with sales on in Newmarket and Champions Weekend at Ascot as well.

“Thankfully, Minister Hackett and her team were very helpful after being contacted by us and she organised the meeting with ourselves, Weatherbys and representatives from the Department. This meeting provided much-needed clarity, as all of the stakeholders in the industry understand the vital importance of total traceability for the equine population.

“We understand there are still one or two matters being worked on in relation to this initiative, so we would advise any breeder who has a query on it to contact Weatherbys directly.” (Email studbookireland@weatherbys.ie or call 045 8799790)

The Department says any queries relating to the new rules can be directed to horseid@agriculture.gov.ie or 01 5058881.