The importance of microchipping your donkeys

In Ireland, the identification system for equines (horses, donkeys, mules, hinnies) comprises of a passport, a micro-chip and details recorded on a database maintained by approved issuing bodies.

It is the law that all equines have a passport and a microchip. The aim of these regulations is to improve the system for the identification of equines and to provide extra safeguards for owners and breeders of equines as to the identity of animals. It also represents a major step forward in safeguarding the food chain.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has overall responsibility for the enforcement of this legislation; penalties can be applied by the courts for non-compliance.

We recently learned of a donkey that was straying in the Limerick area and preparations were being made to bring the donkey into our care until we scanned her for a microchip and located the owner of the donkey. The donkey owner had been very concerned about his donkey and was delighted to be able to bring her home.

This is just one of many benefits of microchipping your animals. For more information please contact your vet or read more here http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/farmingsectors/horses/horsesportireland/