(This note is not part of the Regulations)
These Regulations, which apply in Wales, implement Council Directive 90/426/EEC (OJ No. L224, 18/8/1990, p. 42), Council Directive 90/427/EEC (OJ No. L224, 18/8/1990, p. 55) and Commission Decisions 92/353/EEC (OJ No. L192, 11/07/1992, p. 63), 93/623/EEC (OJ No. L298, 3/12/93, p. 45) and 2000/68/EC (OJ No. L23, 28.1.2000, p. 72). They revoke and replace the Horse Passports Order 1997 and the Horse Passports (Amendment) Order 1998 in so far as they apply to Wales.
The Regulations specify which organisations are authorised to issue passports and give them powers and duties (regulations 3 to 5), make provision for application and issue of passports (regulations 6 to 11 and the Schedule) and make provision for horses entering Wales (regulation 12).
They make requirements concerning the declaration to be made on the passport relating to slaughter for human consumption (regulation 13).
They prohibit defacement of passports, make it an offence to possess a false passport and make provision for the replacement of lost passports (regulations 14 and 15)
Horses must be accompanied by their passports when used for certain purposes (regulation 16).
They impose duties on veterinary surgeons to mark the passport when they administer veterinary medicines (regulation 17).
They make provision relating to the sale of a horse (regulation 18) and relating to the slaughter of a horse (regulation 19).
They contain provisions relating to powers of entry and obstruction (regulations 20 and 21).
Under regulations 22 and 23, breach of the Regulations is an offence punishable —
(a)on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or three months imprisonment, or to both, and
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for two years or a fine, or both.
They are enforced by the local authority (regulation 24).
A regulatory appraisal has been prepared and is available from the Animal Health Division, National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.