The Sheep and Goats (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1996

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends the Movement of Animals (Records) Order 1960 and replaces its provisions in so far as they relate to sheep and goats (article 15). It also implements parts of Council Directive 92/102/EEC (OJ No. L 355, 5.12.92, p. 32) so far as it relates to sheep and goats.

It requires notification to the appropriate authority of the fact of any sheep or goat being kept on a holding (article 3).

It requires a keeper of sheep or goats to maintain a record of the number of animals on the holding, and their movement on or off the holding (articles 4, 5 and 6).

Sheep and goats must be marked before being moved from Great Britain (article 7) or after importation into Great Britain if they are not already marked (article 8). If they are moved between holdings in Great Britain they must be accompanied by movement documents (in certain cases) and marked (articles 9 and 10). It is an offence to remove identification marks (article 11). Ear tags must conform to specified standards (article 12). Records are required to be produced to inspectors on demand (article 13).

The Order is enforced by the local authority, except for article 5, which is enforced by the appropriate Minister (article 14).

Contravention of the Order is an offence under the Animal Health Act 1981.

A Compliance Cost Assessment for this order has been prepared and a copy placed in the library of each House of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Animal Health (Disease Control) Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Government Buildings, Hook Rise South, Tolworth, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 7NF.