Sheep and goats identification and traceability
(for Scotland)
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The relevant legislation is the Sheep and Goats (Identification and Traceability) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the 2007 amendment Regulations. There are different identification requirements (and time limits for identification) for animals born before or after 18 January 2008, which also vary depending on whether the animal is intended for slaughter or not.
No person may remove or replace the original method of identification from any animal unless it is removed to prevent any unnecessary suffering to the animal. If the identification is lost, it must be replaced no later than 28 days after becoming lost, or before the animal leaves the holding.
Keepers are required to keep holding registers with certain specified information recorded in them. Approved movement documents must be completed before any animal is moved from the holding. It is the responsibility of the market operator to ensure he does not receive any animal into the market unless it is correctly identified and has the appropriate movement document.
