British Horse Society comments on passport policy letter
from Defra
The British Horse Society (BHS) has today commented on the
letter it has received from Defra, addressed to all equine
Passport Issuing Organisations (PIOs).
‘Having received a letter from Defra regarding the
policy on approval of horse passport silhouette completion,
The British Horse Society is extremely concerned about the
economic impact this will have on owners of equines.
When the Minister, the Rt Hon Alun Michael, first introduced
the horse passport scheme it was understood that the intention
was for passports to be produced and issued by PIOs at the
most economic price possible. By restricting the ‘Competent
Authority’ [to complete a silhouette] to a veterinary
surgeon, or an owner whose horse has been micro-chipped, will
considerably increase the cost to horse owners.’
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