Summary
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking views on its proposed approach to the implementation of the European Union Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 regarding the identification of equidae in Northern Ireland. All equine animals born in or imported into the European Union must be identified within set deadlines by means of an identification document, generally a horse passport, which must accompany the horse at all times.
The consultation will run from 05 November 2018 to 30 November 2018.
Documents
- Consultation on Equine Identification (Horse Passports) in Northern Ireland
- Horse Passports Consultation Letter
- EQIA Screening for Equine Identification 2018
- Rural Needs Impact Assessment Equine Identification 2018
Consultation description
Consultation Description
This consultation concerns the introduction of new equine identification regulations in Northern Ireland. EU regulation 2015/262 came into effect throughout all European Member States on 1 January 2016. The revised EU Regulation is designed to ensure that certain horses do not enter the human food chain.
The Horse Passports Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 were introduced to enable the previous EU Regulation (504/2008) by defining offences and penalties and the derogations being applied in Northern Ireland. The 2010 regulations now need to be replaced to enable EU Regulation 2015/262.
This consultation is gathering views on the proposed changes to equine identification legislation relevant to Northern Ireland. We are interested to hear from anyone, and would particularly like to hear from individuals and organisations in the equine sector in Northern Ireland, including Passport Issuing Organisations.
How to Respond
You may comment on all or some of the information included in the consultation. You may also submit additional comments. Any comments on the consultation should be sent to:
Agri-Food Policy I
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Room 919, Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
Belfast BT4 3SB
or by email to: FarmPolicyBranch@daera-ni.gov.uk
Copies of the consultation document can also be made available, on request, in alternative formats e.g. in large print, Braille disc, audio cassette and other languages. Please contact Jonathan Wightman on 028 9052 5459 or, for those with hearing difficulties, leave a message on the Department’s text phone (18001 028 9052 5459)
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.