Debate contribution: Equine Registration and Horse Passports

Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on 7 September 2026.

MLA: Mr Andrew Muir
Party at the time: Alliance Party
Date: 7 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Equine Registration and Horse Passports
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5669999

Text

Thank you, Doug. That report came about as a result of an RTÉ documentary, which was a really grim watch. On enforcement action, the Department currently has enforcement powers under the Equine Identification Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019, as amended, with various passporting offences. A person guilty of an offence under the regulations is liable to either a conviction or a fine. The statutory maximum on conviction is £5,000. I will write to you to set it out a bit more. It is heartening to see someone show an interest in the issue, because we need to step up on equine welfare in Northern Ireland and we need to implement the report's recommendations.

112 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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