Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 168: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding persons who have a number of horses but due to the present economic situation are no longer in a position to care for these horses, yet due to the declaration on the registration white book the horses are not acceptable in the factory because of legislation from 2008; the action persons who find themselves in this position who are concerned about their horses, can take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31222/12]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Commission Regulation 504/2008 of 6 June 2008 implementing Council Directives 90/426/EEC and 90/427/EEC as regards identification of equidae, which came into force on July 1st 2009, requires that equine animals be identified with a passport and a microchip. The relevant national legislation is S.I. No. 357 of 2011 - European Communities (Equine) Regulations 2011. This legislation provides that if an equine animal has not been identified within six months of the date of its birth, or by the 31st of December in the year of its birth, whichever date occurs later, then the equine animal cannot be admitted to the food chain.

Horses that are not eligible to enter the food chain may be euthanized by a registered Veterinary Surgeon or by a person licensed to slaughter equines. The carcase should then be disposed of through an approved knackery.

The Farm Animal Welfare Advisory Council (FAWAC) recommend that in situations where an owner can no longer adequately provide for an animal or where the equine can no longer fulfil the purpose for which it was bred, owners should be proactive in seeking to dispose of the animals before their welfare is compromised - including the option of humane disposal. Such action will help prevent the emergence of long-term and severe animal welfare problems.