Towards a modern equine traceability system

The current equine traceability system in the European Union is fragmented and outdated, relying on paper documentation and leading to difficulties in verifying animal identity, ownership, and movement history. This poses risks for animal welfare, public health, and food safety due to loopholes that can be exploited, such as animals changing owners and countries multiple times during their lives. Eurogroup for Animals is advocating for a modern, digital, and harmonized EU-wide traceability system that includes a central digital database linked to national systems for more efficient updates and verifications of information, as well as support for mobile checks and inspections.

To make better traceability achievable, the identification procedures should be simpler and less burdensome, particularly for donkeys and mules who are often left unidentified and absent from official records. Additionally, stronger enforcement and cross-border cooperation are necessary to address illegal horse trading and smuggling involving document fraud, falsified identities, illegal transport, and animal welfare offenses. Modernizing the EU's equine traceability system would strengthen animal welfare, public safety, legitimate trade, and create a safer and more transparent European equine sector.