The Government has today issued guidance for owners of
horses, ponies and other equines on the preparations they need to
made in the event of a no deal Brexit.
Leaving the EU with a deal remains the
Government’s top priority. This has not changed. We are
continuing with our no deal preparations to ensure the country is
prepared for every eventuality.
The guidance will help owners to navigate the
new processes for moving horses and other equine animals from the
UK to EU member states. This will also apply to those owners that
currently move their animals between the UK, Ireland and France
under the Tripartite Agreement (TPA) – an agreement relied on by
many in the horseracing industry and the competition
sector.
If the UK leaves the EU on 29
March without a deal:
- equines travelling from the UK to the EU may
need to undergo additional blood tests, which will need to be
carried out within 30 days or less of travelling to satisfy EU regulations
- owners will need to consult with a vet at least six weeks
before they are planning to travel
- all equines will need an Export Health Certificate in order
to travel to EU states, instead of current documents, and will
need to enter the EU via a Border Inspection Post (BIP)
- some equines will also need a Government issued travel ID
document, as well as their existing equine passport
The UK has already committed to allowing
continued movement on all equine animals from EU member states to
support the industries that rely on these animals and ahead
of major horseracing events, such as the Grand National Festival
at Aintree.
The government is continuing to negotiate with
the European Commission on securing listed status for the UK,
which would enable the continued movement of equines to EU member
states.
The guidance published today is designed to
give the owners of horses and other equine animals as much time
to prepare for these new processes and factor in any extra travel
time they may require when travelling to and from the
EU.
Animal Welfare Minister, MP
said:
“Delivering a negotiated deal with the EU
remains the Government’s top priority, but it is our job to
responsibly ensure we are prepared for all scenarios, including
no deal.
“This guidance will help businesses and owners
prepare for life after 29 March if we do leave without
a deal. However, it is
in the interest of the EU to reciprocate our commitment on
the movement of horses. This will ensure horseracing and
competition events across the continent can continue to be
attended by all of Europe’s top equine talent.”
Richmond Watson, Chairman of
the Thoroughbred Breeders Association, said:
“The British thoroughbred racing and breeding
industry welcomes publication of this important guidance and will
be communicating it to our participants to help them prepare for
all potential Brexit negotiation outcomes.
“We fully support the Government’s welcome and
pragmatic position to allow continued equine movement under
current systems from EU member states to the UK in a No Deal
scenario.”
Nick Fellows, Chief Executive of the
British Equestrian Federation (BEF) said:
“The BEF has worked closely with government
and leading figures in equestrian sport to make sure that all
horse owners have as much information as possible for when the UK
leaves the European Union. It’s important to prepare for all
eventualities and we’d urge all horse owners to take notice of
the material provided by DEFRA.”
If the UK is not provided with listed status
by the European Commission, no movements of equines from the UK
to the EU will be possible after we leave the EU until listed
status is secured.
