THE COUNTRY Land and Business Association is reminding owners of horses, ponies and donkeys that they have only to the end of this month to obtain a passport for their four-legged friends.

According to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, under the horse passports scheme, all owners must obtain a passport for each horse, pony or donkey that they own.

After February 28, animals without one cannot be moved to attend a competition or show, moved to new premises for breeding, exported or slaughtered for human consumption.

Carole Hodgson, CLA Assistant Regional Director North and Equine Adviser, said: "Although we believe that this legislation has been badly introduced, passports will be required by law at the end if this month and I would advise that owners move to obtain one."

CLA North is to shortly announce a dedicated equine advisory team. For more information, call Carole Hodgson on 01524 782 209.