Horses

I spoke to the Department of Agriculture about importing horses into Ireland. This is such a huge business in Ireland that they actually have two people dealing with it full time. I was told they refer to a huge book of regulations that apply different rules for different countries and breeds of horse.

Here are the essentials:

The relevant authority in the country of export needs to be contacted. So, if the horse is currently in the US, then the US Department of Agriculture or similar body is the starting point. Similarly, if the horse is in Germany, then the relevant German authority needs to be contacted.

The country from which the animal is coming will prepare the paperwork. This consists of a series of health certificates and other documents depending on the type of horse and the country of origin. For instance, an import licence is required to bring a horse from Australia, New Zealand and most of the Middle East. In contrast, an import licence is not required from the US. Some types of horses such as thoroughbreds must have passports, other breeds are not required to have them.

From an EU country, an "Intra-Community Trade Health Certificate" is required, along with passports for the animal and "Health Sheets". Again, local authorities provide the documents.

I assume local vets actually provide the necessary shots and health certificates which the national authorities then use.

You'll have to let the Irish authorities know when the animal is arriving. Almost always, they arrive by air. A vet has to meet and inspect the animal and its certificates. If the vet is not satisfied, the horse will have to be flown back to its country of origin, so obviously, strict compliance with all regulations is essential.

No further quarantine is necessary. Once the vet gives his stamp of approval, the horse is free to roam Ireland.

You can contact the Irish Department of Agriculture officials dealing in this area by phoning or email.

Tel: +353-1- 607-2000 extension #3218 or 3401
Emails: caroline.martin@agriculture.gov.ie or ruth.flood@agriculture.gov.ie

For more information about pets and animals in Ireland - check Irish Animals on the Web.