The Horse Passport

eMail: animalhealth@doncaster.gov.uk | Telephone:  01302 737554 | Fax:  01302 737950 
Address: PO Box 257, The Council House, College Road, Doncaster, DN1 1RN.
Current Legislation

The Horse Passports (England) Regulations 2004 requires all owners to obtain a passport for each horse they own. This includes ponies, donkeys, and other equidae. Owners cannot sell, export, slaughter for human consumption, use for the purposes of competition or breeding, a horse which does not have a passport.

Any owner who has not applied for a passport for their horses should apply to a Passport Issuing Organisation.

New Legislation

Horse being scanned for identification chip

The new legislation, from 1st July 2009, builds upon this and the main new feature is that horse passports are to be linked to the animal by a uniquely coded identification microchip.

This is merely a broad précis of the regulations. Copies of the regulations themselves, a list of Recognised organisations, and frequently asked questions, may be found on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk

For further information please visit Directgov (citizen facing):
www.direct.gov.uk/horsepassports

A fact sheet summarising the changes is attached. Information can also be obtained from contacting our Animal Health Officer on the above telephone number.

Last updated: 16 September 2009
Doncaster Council,
Council House, College Road,
Doncaster, DN1 1BR
Tel: +44 (0)1302 736000
eMail: General Enquiries