Failure to notify the change of ownership to the passport issuing organisation (PIO) is an offence under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 and anyone convicted could face a fine of up to €250,000, a term of imprisonment or both.

The passport issuing organisations (PIOs) approved by the Minister for Agriculture are Horse Sport Ireland, the Irish Piebald & Skewbald Association Ltd, Weatherbys Ireland, the Warmblood Studbook of Ireland, the Connemara Pony Breeders Society, the Kerry Bog Pony Co-op Society and the Irish Appaloosa Association.