The question on whether a register was needed was the subject of an inquiry before all parliamentary business was suspended after an election was called on Thursday.

TFGA chief executive Peter Skillern said the register would allow for an animal to be quickly identified and their past movements traced during a disease outbreak.

He said the equine influenza outbreak in 2007 and 2008 highlighted the danger of a contagious disease spread among horses and a register would work to prevent such an event.

Mr Skillern said the register was essential given the constant movement of horses between sport and recreation events, shows, and races.

"To ensure the register is effective and can be used when needed to communicate with horse owners during an outbreak, the register needs to be up to date," he said.

"If the register is implemented, constant education about its importance is needed and surveillance to ensure it is being used correctly to ensure that it is as accurate as possible."

RSPCA Australia chief executive Heather Neil said the organisation supported the register as it would inform the community on the fate of horses once they left the racing industry.

"The community expects the racing industry to make appropriate provision for horses upon retirement instead of sending spent horses to the knackery or abattoir," she said.

"Mandatory microshopping is encouraged as part of a national registration system to help ensure rigour."

The inquiry, once re-established, would also look at animal welfare and biosecurity safety issues, backyard breeding and the integrity of trade in horses.

The federal Agriculture and Water Resources Department said there were no animal traceability requirements under Commonwealth laws, such as the Biosecurity Act, as it was seen as a role for state governments and industry groups.