Fine Gael MEP, Nina Carberry has said that she is targeting an Eu-wide action to improve transparency and traceability in the equine sector.

The Midlands Northwest MEP is currently the co-chair of the European Parliament's horse group.

MEP Carberry recently hosted a stakeholder meeting in the European Parliament on the issue.

She noted the ongoing implementation of key recommendations in Prof. Paddy Wall's report, and in the recently launched Equine Action Plan.

The MEP stressed the need to improve the inspection regime for horses and update IT equipment to track all equine imports and exports across the island of Ireland, and establishing a panel of approved microchip suppliers to ensure higher security and prevent fraud.

She also emphasised that working cross-border with stakeholders in Northern Ireland is of significant importance.

Carberry said: "The current paper-based passport system remains vulnerable to fraud.

"If we can coordinate efforts to move towards a fully digitised horse passport system across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain, then we can surely do so across the entire EU", she added.

Finally, Carberry claimed that a targeted revision to the EU Animal Health Law, would go some way to addressing the issues around the transparency and traceability of the sector across Europe.

Separately, Gardaí in Donegal are investigating the theft of a Boulonnais horse from a field in Ture, Muff, Co. Donegal.

According to An Garda Síochána, the incident took place between 5:00p.m on Saturday, May 31, and 10:00 a.m on Sunday, June 1.

Gardaí have described the horse as white, three years old, 16 hands in height, and with anchor branding on its neck.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “Anyone with information or the whereabouts of the horse, or who may come across it for sale, is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 9320540 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.