New EU regulations are being introduced in the UK from 5th January 2007 regarding the transportation of horses
at home across Europe.
The new laws, primarily introduced for the welfare of animals going to slaughter, will also affect day to day transportation of horses.
DEFRA, the department responsible for implementing the new rules in the UK, will require anyone transporting two horses or more for any profit or gain MUST to apply for an authorisation certificate.
However, DEFRA does seem to be taking a more lenient stance than that of VOSA. As recently reported in Equitour News
(read
article), the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency has clearly stated that anyone operating a horsebox following a weekend competing having won as little as £5.00 would be in danger of prosecution should they not hold a valid operators licence.
The ILPH is disappointed that one of the main concerns, maximum journey times, has not been addressed.
As with all EU legislation there is the obligatory ‘Grey Area’. However, in this case the grey area is rather large as there is considerable confusion over who may or may not be under this legislation.
Although DEFRA has stated that weekend competitors and drivers doing a friend a good deed for fuel money will not be targeted there is no clear cut directive for amateur competition yards or amateur breeders. Recent discussions in Brussels with member from the FEI were unable to come to any clear decisions.
DEFRA has stated that the way forward is to work on a case by case basis.
Not exactly what the equestrian industry wants to hear!!
There is similar legislation in Spain where a license is required to move horses.
This legislation, introduced by the Spanish Government some years ago, is very clear and straight forward, if a little draconian.
The law states that for anyone to move a horse you must apply for a transportation licence. This applies to commercial operators and private individuals. Failure to obtain this licence could result in the horsebox, horse trailer, towing vehicle, horse and tack being impounded a huge fine and possible imprisonment.
If you are moving a horse permanently then the horse must be registered at the local veterinary office, normally in the town hall. Known as the Green Card this is document must be produced when required to anyone from the police to a veterinary, council official to buyer.
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New Horse Transportation Rules for 2007
