EXPERTS are urging all horse owners to take part in a government consultation over plans to introduce an annual "tax" on farm animals — possibly to include horses. The consultation ends in June and can be viewed on      www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/foodfarming.htm  Defra is proposing to set up an independent body of animal health and industry experts to take decisions on animal health issues — for example on future outbreaks of diseases from foot-and-mouth to African Horse Sickness (AHS).

If it goes ahead, the scheme would start in 2012 and, if horses are included, Defra estimates each animal would cost about £10.50 per year. This sum would be in addition to current passport costs and would contribute towards dealing with exotic diseases.

The Northern Ireland Horse Board vehemently condemn the introduction of such a tax especially in the current economic climate.

Also in light of the fact that:-

• Equines are not recognised in United Kingdom as Agricultural animals however Defra appears to see them as a money earner.
• Don’t be fooled, equines are NOT infected by Foot and Mouth and in fact carry less risk as carriers of Foot & Mouth than humans do.
• Research needs to be carried out first on what exotic diseases may affect equines and the costs involved before a blanket tax is introduced to all horse/pony owners.

If it goes ahead, the scheme would start in 2012 and, if horses are included, Defra estimates each animal would cost about £10.50 per year. This sum would be in addition to current passport costs and would contribute towards dealing with exotic diseases.

A Defra spokesman was keen to stress that the plans were in very early stages, saying that although government documents state the fee "could also cover horses and their keepers" it does not mean they will definitely be included. But she added: "The main rule of thumb remains that all keepers of disease-susceptible species should contribute to the costs of exotic disease control unless there are compelling reasons as to why they should not."

The (BHS) has cautioned against any further financial burdens being placed on horse owners in the current economic climate unless there were very clear and necessarily reasons for doing so.