PROFESSOR Patrick Wall has warned if the current loopholes in Ireland’s equine traceability are not addressed, the country will face further reputational damage.

Wall, who is a vet, a medical doctor, former chairman of Horse Sport Ireland and a food safety expert, was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture to carry out a ‘root-and-branch’ review of Ireland’s equine traceability system. This followed the broadcast of an RTÉ Investigates documentary last June, highlighting major flaws within the industry.

In his report, ‘Reforms to strengthen equine identification, traceability and welfare’, Professor Wall said: “The issues highlighted in the [RTÉ Investigates] programme underscore the critical need for comprehensive reforms to protect the integrity of the food chain, improve animal welfare, and address vulnerabilities that could allow for criminal activity and fraudulent practices.

“If existing loopholes are not addressed, the issues exposed could easily recur, risking further reputational damage to Ireland as the ‘land of the horse’.”

Census clampdown

The DAFM has committed to publishing new legislation providing for the mandatory automated transfer of data to the central equine database from sales venues and auction houses, marts, PIOs (Passport Issuing Organisations), racing authorities, transporters and traders.

The report shows that just 49% of horse owners returned the equine census in 2024. To address existing traceability gaps, Wall recommended that the annual equine census be fully integrated with the central equine database.

Operators who do not complete their annual equine census returns will have their Equine Premises Registration Number (EPRN) deactivated, thus prohibiting them from receiving equine passports and export certification.

Northern Ireland

Wall said the free movement of horses between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland presents unique challenges for traceability and welfare. Both jurisdictions have significant equine industries and face similar issues regarding identification, traceability and end-of-life management.

“Given this seamless cross-border movement, any solutions adopted in the Republic of Ireland must be mirrored in Northern Ireland to be effective,” he said.

The DAFM has committed to engaging with Northern Ireland in relation to a data-sharing agreement for the transfer of information on cross-border movements of horses. Another commitment is to establish a panel of approved microchip suppliers and set new standards in relation their security features and resistance to fraud.

Ownership and registration

Wall said the failure to register foals within 12 months of birth, which is the law, is “creating significant challenges for the equine sector, particularly regarding end-of-life management,” adding that a “substantial number” of non-thoroughbreds are being registered after the age of one year.

The DAFM action plan says it will introduce measures (commencing with all foals born in 2026), in consultation with stakeholders, to drive compliance, including significant financial penalties for equines registered late, and/or significant restrictions on late registered horses, as regards eligibility to compete, and/or eligibility for export.

Change of ownership in Ireland is “fundamentally weak. While it is a legal requirement to register ownership within 30 days of acquiring a horse, there has been little to no enforcement, resulting in widespread non-compliance,” Professor Wall said.

He recommended that a simple, easy-to-use mobile app to facilitate real-time updates should be developed.

“The current process of obtaining the microchip number and UELN from the Passport Issuing Organisation (PIO) upon horse registration is functioning well for most PIOs. However, challenges with Horse Sport Ireland’s (HSI) new system are hindering its effectiveness and causing delays. While many people want to comply with the requirements, these issues HSI are facing are making it difficult for them to do so, leading to frustration and complaints.”

EU network

Additionally, the DAFM will pursue legislative changes at EU level for the development of an EU network of equine databases; expanding the list of essential medicines available to horses; residue testing at slaughter; equivalency of standards for EU produced and imported horse meat.