Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 21
21
Deferred
Paragraph: 63
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose.
Recommendation
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The mandatory microchipping of equines facilitates a digital identification system, which we believe is available at the moment. Defra should move to this system as a matter of urgency.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states that proposed changes, including further digitisation of equine identification, will be considered as part of a new public consultation planned for early next year, rather than committing to an urgent move to the system.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
63
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government is clear that our departure from the EU has provided us with an opportunity to improve the existing equine ID and traceability regime in England. We can act on our own national priorities for robust equine health and welfare and continue to protect public health. As set out in our Action Plan for Animal Welfare, proposed changes, including further digitisation, will be considered as part of a new public consultation we now plan to launch early in the new year. As part of our approach, we will focus on making it easier for owners and others who are responsible for equines to update their records. This will make the Central Equine animal welfare and disease controls. We recognise the critical importance of studbooks and the work of breed societies in supporting native breeds and we do not propose to materially alter these arrangements. Moving Livestock
Read the full response on Parliament ↗