Mary Upton
Question:214 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if his attention has been drawn to recent reports that 2,000 horses are exported each year to be slaughtered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2361/03]
Written Answers. - Equine Sector.
I am aware of recent reports. Trade in horses between member states and from member states to third countries is generally governed by European law and specific Commission decisions which establish the health conditions and health certification to be applied to such animals for trade purposes. All export licences issued by this Department are in respect of animals for breeding, racing, jumping or sport use.
Under trade rules in place between Ireland, France and the UK for many years, based on a common animal health position in the equine sector known as the tripartite agreement, no intra-Community export/import licences are required for trade between these countries. However, the animals must be individually identified via their own passports, or a current signed marking sheet, and are subject to a welfare check by an official veterinarian at the port of departure.
My Department has not issued export licences for horses for slaughter. All horses certified by my Department as the competent authority are certified for the purposes I have outlined above. I should point out, however, that trade in horses for slaughter is covered by relevant EU regulations and is subject to compliance with animal health and welfare legislation, a legitimate trade.