DAERA announces new rules for transporting animals to shows and exhibitions

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed changes to animal transport policy which will come into effect from 1 October 2025, clarifying which journeys fall under Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 (EU 1/2005).

From that date, journeys involving animals taken to or from specialist shows or competitions for pleasure rather than business purposes will no longer be considered as being in connection with an economic activity.

This includes the transport of horses and ponies by their owners for activities such as show jumping, gymkhanas, and other leisure competitions.

As a result, owners transporting animals for these purposes will not be required to hold mandatory approvals such as:

• a transporter authorisation,

• a certificate of competence, or

• an approved vehicle.

Exceptions remain in place

However, DAERA stressed that several categories of transport will still require full approvals under EU 1/2005. These include:

• farmed animals attending shows,

• animals being taken to racing events, and

• professional horse riders and jockeys, including those who are sponsored to compete.

Where there is uncertainty, transporters will be expected to demonstrate to the competent authority that the journey is not connected to an economic activity.

Single Animal Exemption revoked

As part of the policy update, DAERA has also confirmed that the Single Animal Exemption (SAE) will be revoked from 1 October 2025. Currently, the SAE allows individuals to transport a single animal without mandatory approvals.

Once revoked, anyone transporting a single animal for economic purposes over 65km will need a transporter authorisation, and depending on the species and journey length, may also require a certificate of competence and vehicle approval.

A DAERA spokesperson explained:

“The changes to these policies will allow owners and their companion animals to move more freely to animal shows and exhibitions. The changes will align DAERA’s policy with the approach taken in GB, which will help to resolve the confusion which has existed around travel to these types of shows.

“The revocation of the SAE will also close the loophole which has permitted some commercial transporters to avoid having the necessary transport approvals and training in place to transport animals.”

Animal welfare obligations remain

DAERA also reminded animal owners and transporters that animal welfare laws remain in force. Under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006 (WATR 2006), it is an offence to transport any animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering.

Full details of the updated requirements can be found on the DAERA website.