Europe. Horse Identification: Stricter Rules in 2016

The European Commission proposed revising the rules on equine identification and was heard in September 2014. The revised regulation provides for a more secure system for registering and identifying equines in the European Union. The goal is to better combat “accidents” or fraud involving the slaughter of horses excluded from human consumption. This is one way to learn from the 2013 scandal in which beef on plates was replaced with horse meat.  

A Passport for Life

Thus, starting January 1, 2016, the existing passport system** will be strengthened. Foals, before the age of one, will receive a single passport containing a unique identification number. They will keep it for their entire lives, and it will also serve as a medical record. Technical features will be used to further secure this document. All horses born after July 1, 2009, must also be fitted with a microchip.  

A Centralized Database

To better monitor the dispensing of equine passports, the creation of a centralized database will be mandatory in all Member States. This database should also simplify the updating of identification information for equid keepers. In France, while such a database system for horse identification already exists, it needs to be improved. Other countries that do not have a centralized database will have until July 1, 2016, to implement one.   * Regulation (EC) No. 504/2008 of June 6, 2008, on methods for equine identification.** The equine passport has been mandatory in the European Union since July 1, 2000.