NEW EQUINE PASSPORT REGULATIONS.

New horse passport regulations came into force in July 1st 2009. All horses and ponies requiring a new passport will need to be microchipped to comply with the new legislation.

• Any foal must be microchipped and have a passport issued by the time it is 6 months old, or before December 31st of the year in which it was born, whichever is later.
• Any adult horse/pony/donkey which needs a new passport will need to be microchipped.
• Any adult horse/pony/donkey which already has a passport won't need to be microchipped.

Microchips can only be implanted by Veterinary Surgeons, and are placed in the left side of the neck about halfway down in the crest.

Microchipping means that completing the "silhouette" section of the passport is not compulsory; however, some breed societies may require it still, so please check.

The microchip contains a unique identifier code, which is linked to the horse owners contact details. It is inserted with a sterile implanting device and horses tolerate the procedure very well, as it is so quick. The chip will be scanned with a hand held scanner to check it is in place and working.

 Further information may be found at,

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/AnimalsAndPets/DG_178412

(NM)