Muir takes action to improve equine traceability and welfare standards
Date published:
The mandatory registration of equine establishments is an essential step forward to improve traceability and welfare standards, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said today.
The Minister made the comments as he urged owners and operators of establishments keeping equines, including horses, ponies, donkeys and zebras to register their establishment with DAERA to obtain an Equine Establishment Number (EEN) before 1 February 2026.
The legal requirement was introduced under the EU Animal Health Law and is one of a number of measures aimed at helping to improve equine identification and traceability within the sector. Registering is simple and free.
From 1 February 2026, all Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs) authorised by DAERA will require a valid EEN to be provided when an application is made for a passport, a passport update (such as change of ownership), or a duplicate or replacement passport in the event of lost, stolen or damaged passports. Keepers may be unable to buy, sell, move or export an equine without a valid, up to date passport.
Minister Muir said: "This is an essential first step towards introducing a robust equine traceability system in Northern Ireland. It is essential that we all work together to protect our equine animals and support the industry at all levels in Northern Ireland.
"Those of us who care about our equine companions want to do the right thing and protect them from exploitation and harm. This is the first of a number of equine traceability measures which I plan to implement under Animal Health Law in the time ahead.
"I strongly urge anyone operating an establishment where equines are kept to register your equine establishments now, to ensure that you meet the 1 February deadline."
Anyone keeping an equine at livery or at an establishment which they do not operate themselves, will not need to register. It is the responsibility of the owner/operator of the establishment to register. Owners should be certain that the establishment where they keep their equine is registered and will need to provide the EEN of that establishment when applying for a horse passport or applying to update a horse passport.
Registration of equine establishments is a legal obligation under the EU Animal Health Law, Regulation (EU) 2016/429, which came into effect in April 2021. More information is available on the European Commission website.
The benefits of registering include:
- Enhanced equine traceability
- Disease control and prevention
- Fraud and theft prevention
- Enhanced equine health and welfare protection
- Access to advice and guidance
