Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has in place to safeguard the welfare of horses in transit due for export in the event of delays at the border after 1 January 2021.

Defra is working closely with operational partners, industry groups and transporters to minimise any potential animal welfare risks and to encourage thorough planning of journeys.

Comprehensive guidance on the new requirements for all authorised GB transporters of live animals has been provided. The EU no longer recognises GB authorised transporters as of 1 January and so all GB authorised animal transporters now need to apply for EU documentation. We have been working closely with the equine sector to ensure that they understand all the new requirements.

A Journey Log, approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is required for unregistered horses travelling on journeys exceeding 8 hours from, to and through Great Britain. If the proposed journey is not realistic, the APHA will not approve the Journey Log.

Animal transporters have a legal duty to protect the welfare of the animals in their care and have been reminded of their legal responsibilities. Transporters should have contingency plans in place to ensure that animal welfare is not compromised, even in the event of disruption to the journey. These plans must include identifying control posts and emergency lairage facilities which can be used to provide animals with appropriate rest periods, using alternative routes or delaying the journey until delays have subsided.