Horse identification survey results
In 2017, NSW DPI sought feedback from the horse industry via an on-line survey on the proposal that all horses are identified with an approved microchip and a simple traceability scheme be established.
The survey was well supported and generated 2243 responses. Several benefits of a compulsory identification and a simple identification scheme in NSW where raised including:
- increased capacity of NSW to respond to disease outbreaks and emergencies which involve horses
- reduced horse theft and misrepresentation
- improved animal welfare and rider handler safety
- provision of a central database to also include recording of crucial treatments by veterinarians such as vaccination for Hendra virus.
NSW DPI is currently seeking advice from the Animal Health Committee and consulting further with industry and other jurisdictions to determine the most appropriate system for horse identification and traceability for NSW.
Horse identification survey results snapshot from 4 Sept - 31 Dec 2017
- View the infographic of the summary of outcomes from the horse identification survey results snapshot (PDF, 2053.15 KB)\
- View the Horse identification and traceability survey results presentation (PPSX, 463.41 KB)
In 2017, NSW Department of Primary Industries conducted a survey to determine whether there was industry and community support for the implementation of a compulsory horse identification and centralised database in NSW. Results indicated there is a strong support for identification of all horses in NSW.
- No. of respondents - 2,243 (97% responded as an individual and 3% responded on behalf of an organisation)
- Reasons for keeping horses
- Pet
- Breeding
- Competition or exhibition
- Recreational use
- Horse trainer
- Business (eg riding school)
- Racing
- Other
- Horses under management of respondents - 42,801
- Benefits of horse identification (71% identified advantages of compulsory identification)
- Increased traceability
- Better biosecurity risk control
- More history of horse ownership
- Improved animal welfare
- Reduced crime and theft
- Breeding Control
- Are there benefits of having compulsory identification and a central database?
- Yes (70.40%)
- No (22.25%)
- Pass (7.36%)
- 68% believe identification should be compulsory nationally
- 68% believe identification should be compulsory in NSW
- 91% of respondents believe national database would be more suitable
- Risks and impacts of horse identification
- Increased red tape
- Cost of microchipping horses
- Duplication with other national and international databases
