Clarity sought on equine identity issues

CONCERNS over equine and canine identity issues were raised by members of Horse Care Ireland before a meeting of the Committee of Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week.

After a robust hearing into a broad spectrum of issues raised, committee chair Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill (FF) said that further clarification would be sought from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Horse Care Ireland representatives Anthony Collins, John Joe Fitzpatrick and Michéal Leahy raised a range of concepts including online and cheaper forms of identity of newborn equines on farms; more detailed registration of horses involved in sport; equines stamped out of the food chain, as well as the use of DNA and location details to connect sheep-killing dogs back to their owners.

Current costs of registration – approximately €140 including veterinary services – were described as “cost prohibitive” to many equine owners nationwide and a brief outline of an alternative system with costs as low as €5 was given to the commitee. A tightening of the transfer of ownership procedures was strongly advocated to ensure traceability.

The overall theme of the Horse Care Ireland presentation was based on the main tenets of reducing irresponsible ownership of equines and canines nationwide, and limiting the exposure of the taxpayer to future costs, including welfare, arising from those operating in the black economy.

Proposals forward included every dog owner having a canine premises number and a yearly census being carried out by the DAFM to verify location details.

Members of the committee welcomed the increased traceability proposals from the voluntary group which suggested that some 52% of the horses in the country were not properly identified.

Deputy Jackie Cahill said figures that the committee had from the DAFM showed that 80% of equines were now identified in compliance with legislation and that 19% were not identified, mainly in the half-bred sector.

“We will get a clarification on this from the DAFM,” said Deputy Cahill, concluding the meeting and thanking the witnesses, Senators and TDs for their contributions on the session.