Ireland to introduce identification chips for the equine beings to ensure welfare and well being of

The department of agriculture, fisheries and food has come up with an innovative act to safeguard the welfare of horses in Ireland which requires the owner to tag their horses with an identification micro-chip inserted and a valid passport to be issued from an approved stud-book or agency. The department consulted industry representatives over the application of this new tagging system to ensure its effective implementation. This marking needs to be performed earliest possible according to Agriculture minister of Ireland so that a proper track of the animal can be maintained from the very beginning of its birth.

He said: "Such registers are already in place in respect of all other farm animal species in Ireland, but currently no such register exists for horses".

The registrations are already applicable on many other farm animal species but there has never been any such legislation for the horses. This system ensures concern for the equine animal, protecting the health and welfare of the horses even when there ownerships change with different life stages. The agricultural minister remarked that he was looking forward to a participating attitude by the industry towards these proposals which were designed to offer better protection to the animals and to the industry as well.

The application of this technology and system will confirm that all the information will be properly stored in place to address any animal health and welfare concerns and will be central to the continued success and international reputation of the Irish equine industry.