Horse Sport Ireland is reminding horse owners that transfer of ownership must be completed by the original passport issuing authority (PIO) only.

This in compliance with the change of ownership legislation, enacted by the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine (DAFM) in 2014.  The DAFM are increasingly vigilant concerning the method of transfer of ownership and have, recently developed additional communications to highlight that it must be done with the PIO and no other body.

HSI is asking all our members to be aware of this legislation in order to avoid potential penalties arising.  The DAFM state that failure to notify change of ownership to the PIO is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and persons are liable to conviction to a fine of up to €250,000 or to a term of imprisonment or to both.

Further, if a horse was purchased abroad in an EU member state or another country the buyer should, when the horse is imported into Ireland, complete a movement notification and submit to an Irish PIO of their choice.

For more information concerning transfer of ownership and equine movement identifications, please visit the DAFM website