The different types of identification document
A horse is considered to be identified, in compliance with the current regulations, when there is an identification document. In France, this document is issued by the IFCE (French institute for horses and equestrianism), or by foreign stud-book authorities. The information contained in this document is recorded and managed by the SIRE (Information system relating to equids) in Pompadour (19). When the IFCE is not the issuing body for the passport, the information must however be registered with the SIRE. There are several types of document depending on the type of animal.
The identification document/ booklet/ passport
In the majority of cases, and for animals born in France, it is issued by the IFCE (Institut français du cheval et de l’équitation). But since 2013, it can also be issued by a foreign stud-book (this does not exonerate from compulsary registration with the SIRE)
This document serves as :
- An identification document
- A certificate of origin (when the animal’s parentage is known) and registration with a stud-book.
- A sanitary document
- A passport
It must be accompany the horse at all times, and should follow it wherever it goes.
The document for animals of uncertified origin (ONC) is distinguished by its black cover. For animals of certified origin, the colour of the cover changes every year (there is a rotation with 21 colours). When a duplicate of an identification document is issued the colour is metallic grey.
The registration card
In addition to the SIRE number and the animal’s name, the name and address of the declared owner, registered in the central database, are shown on this document.
Every time the horse changes hands (sale, donation or other), declaration of ownership transfer must made to the SIRE by the new owner within 30 days following completion of the purchase.
The registration card comes either in paper format, or in electronic format on Internet, where ownership is dealt with online.
Documents for foreign horses
Imported horses must be registered in the central database within 30 or 90 days following their arrival on French territory, this depends on their origin and activity on French soil. To do this the owner should complete a form requesting registration and send it to the SIRE.
Once the foreign identification has been checked for compliance to European regulations, a SIRE number will be attributed to the horse.
If the document provided does not comply to the European regulations, the SIRE will issue a French document and insert where appropriate, the foreign document.
Les documents officiels répondent à des normes européennes.
Official documents should comply to European standards.
They should accompany the animal wherever it goes, so as to be presented to any competent authority requesting a verification.
On the animal’s death, the documents should be returned to the SIRE.
Failure to comply to the obligations regarding identification are considered as minor offences, and subject to class three fines.
Know more about our authors
- Translated from french by : Karen DUFFY Translator
- Mathilde DHOLLANDE Responsable marketing et communication IFCE-SIRE
- Cécile ARNAUD Responsable juridique SIRE et déléguée nationale Sport & Loisirs - IFCE
