Extension Of Compulsory Microchipping Will Protect Older Horses As Well As The UK Food Chain, Say Vets
7 years ago 
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Defra has today announced that the microchipping requirement will be extended to include horses, ponies and donkeys born before 1 July 2009. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the move as an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain. BVA responded to the consultation on the issue in May last year.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said:
“We welcome this announcement to extend compulsory microchipping and believe that the measures represent an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain. The one-off cost of microchipping a horse is minimal while the animal welfare benefits in terms of being able to identify lost, stolen, abandoned or fly grazing horses, and identify horses in the face of disease outbreak, as well as the benefits to the integrity of food chain safety, are enormous.
“Universal microchipping of domesticated horses ensures that the legislation has value, the cost of implementing the new Central Equine Database (CED) is not wasted, and that food safety is protected. Together these measures will protect horses, ponies and donkeys from irresponsible owners, help loving owners to be reunited with their animals and keep the food chain free from potentially contaminated horse meat.”
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