Trade in horses between member states and from member states and third countries is governed by European law and specific Commission decisions, which establish the health conditions and certification to be applied to such animals for trade purposes.
However, with regard to trade between Ireland, France and the United Kingdom, for many years an agreement, known as the Tripartite Agreement, based on a common animal health position in the equine sector has been in place. Under this agreement, registered horses travelling between Ireland, France and the United Kingdom do not have to be certified, though the horses must be individually identified by means of their passports. Non-registered horses travelling between Ireland and the United Kingdom must be individually identified by way of a current marking sheet. Both registered and non-registered horses are subject to spot checks 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 are certified for the purposes of breeding, racing, jumping and sport use. However, 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.