The European Commission has restricted the imports of horses from Romania following reports from the Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) of poor health and welfare conditions of animals transferred to the EU, in violation of Directive 90/426/EEC on animal health conditions for the movement and import from third countries.

Issues raised include insufficient testing for diseases, incomplete certificates and a lack of proper identification of exported animals. Horses intended for export to the EU from Romania are reported to have been kept in unacceptable conditions including over-crowding and insufficient access to food and water.

The EU says it is committed to pushing for improved animal welfare and expects these import restrictions to act as a spur to quickly improve the conditions for the affected horses. The import measures do not affect temporary admissions of horses for races and cultural events. Horses for slaughter, breeding and production can continue to be imported if they meet the strict import conditions that are now in force.

Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health will review the measures when provided with detailed information on the situation and the measures taken by Hungary’s relevant authorities to resolve horse welfare standards.

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