THE Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine have suspended the export certification services for horses until April 12th following the latest Covid-19 guidelines issued by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday.

The processing of export papers for horses and pets is not considered an essential service and is suspended as of today, March 30th.

A Department spokesperson told The Irish Field: “The provision of export certification services for horses and pets cannot be considered an essential service in the context of the current public health challenge. On this basis, the Department advised equine industry stakeholders on Saturday, March 28th that it was suspending applications for such certification until April 12th. The matter will be kept under review.”

Asked if transporting a mare for breeding purposes is still classed as an essential service, the spokesperson said: “Currently, there is no prohibition on the movement of animals within the country, noting that farming is identified as an essential service. Any and all activities within farming and society generally, however, need to comply with HSE public health advice and guidelines.”

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