A SECURITY firm which specialises in protecting horses has blamed a European ruling for delays in completing a protection package for a Bolton owner.

June Clarke, of Alexandra Road, Stoneclough, had her horse microchipped by Guardit With Horsetrac Limited five months ago.

But she is still waiting for the identity "passport" documents which should have been included in the £49.50 security package.

A company representative microchipped June's horse and another from the same stable yard in April.

June said: "We elected to have a photograph taken to enable to us to take the option of the passport format available.

"We were both assured that the relevant documentation would be with us within 28 days.

"By June we had not received anything from Guardit. I telephoned their representative and also their regional office at Lymm in Cheshire and was assured we would receive our documents shortly.

"At the beginning of August we both telephoned the company in Lymm to be told that everyone was on holiday but would be back by August 27 when somebody would telephone us.

"On August 28 I rang Lymm again to be told that nobody was available as yet. At that point I asked for another telephone number.

"This was refused but I was told that someone would phone me."

When no-one rang, she contacted Trading Standards, who are now investigating.

June explained: "I have a horse with a microchip and no documentation. If I was called upon to verify my ownership of the horse, which I bred myself, I could not do so.

"I have still not received the passport. My horse insurance is due and I will be asked to produce the passport when I pay."

The company said the documents had been delayed because of a new European Community ruling which will allow all British equine passports to be exchanged for European ones.

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