The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed changes to animal transport policy for shows and exhibitions, coming into effect from 1 October 2025.
Key Changes
From this date, the following types of transport will no longer be considered “in connection with an economic activity” and will therefore be exempt from Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 (EU 1/2005):
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Animals transported to or from a specialist show or competition where the primary purpose is pleasure, not business.
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Horses and ponies transported by their owner for riding, showing, or competing for pleasure (e.g. show jumping, gymkhanas).
As a result, owners transporting animals for these purposes will no longer need mandatory approvals such as:
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A transporter authorisation
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A certificate of competence
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An approved vehicle
Exceptions – Still Covered by EU 1/2005
Some situations will continue to require transport approvals:
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Farmed animals attending shows
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Animals transported to racing events
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Professional horse riders/jockeys, including those who are sponsored
If there is doubt about whether a journey is linked to an economic activity, the transporter must be able to prove to the competent authority that it is not.
Revocation of the Single Animal Exemption
Also from 1 October 2025, the Single Animal Exemption (SAE) will be revoked. Previously, this allowed individuals in Northern Ireland to transport a single animal without mandatory approvals. After this date, anyone transporting a single animal for economic purposes over 65km must hold transporter authorisation. Depending on the species and journey length, a certificate of competence and vehicle approval may also be required.
DAERA Statement
A DAERA spokesperson said:
“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 Reminder
Regardless of these changes, it remains an offence under the Welfare of Animals (Transport) Regulations (NI) 2006 (WATR 2006) to transport any animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, injury or unnecessary suffering.
Full details of the changes and the transport approvals required can be found on the DAERA website.
