Updated 3.45pm
THE DIRECT EXPORT of horses from Ireland to China is set to begin, the Agriculture Minister announced today – however, the horses are not being sent for slaughter.
The direct export means the horses will not have to be exported via the Netherlands. It is anticipated the horses will be exported for breeding and competition.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Simon Coveney TD, welcomed the agreement of the Chinese authorities to the terms of a veterinary certificate that will enable the export of horses direct from Ireland to China.
He said that he looked forward to seeing increased horse exports to this important market.
The deal also means that pre-export preparation and quarantine will take place in Ireland before the horses are sent on their way to China.
Until now, horses were exported via the Netherlands, which was “costly and burdensome for Irish breeders”.
Protocol
The direct exports will take place now that a protocol has been signed between Coveney and Vice-Minister Wei Chuanzhong of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China (AQSIQ).
The exports are subject to certain agreed animal health guarantees and a pre-export quarantine period in an Irish facility approved by the Department of Agriculture.
The next step in the process is agreement between both sides on a certificate to reflect the conditions outlined in the protocol, said Coveney.
The conditions are specific and set out the detail of what is required – including an import licence issued by the Chinese authorities, which is a prerequisite for each consignment. The possibility of a pre-export inspection by the Chinese veterinary authorities is also provided for.
According to the Minister, this is “very good news for the equine industry here” and he advised potential exporters to contact the Department to ensure they have full clarity regarding the protocol and the various elements that have to be complied with.
A spokesperson from the Department of Agriculture told TheJournal.ie:
Horses will be exported to China on foot of a import permit issued by the Chinese authorities to an exporter in Ireland and under conditions approved by the Department in accordance with the agreed certificate. It is anticipated that trade will take place in breeding and competition horses. There would be no question of horses being exported for slaughter.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say