This Order implements Council Directive 2008/71/EC on the identification and registration of pigs.

Article 4 requires a person keeping pigs on a holding to notify the Scottish Ministers and article 5 requires records to be kept.

Articles 6 to 11 require pigs to be marked with eartags, tattoos or temporary marks, and specify what information they must contain, which varies in different circumstances.

Articles 12, 13 and 15 deal with documentation necessary when pigs are moved. Article 14 provides that a pig does not need to be identified if it is being moved for veterinary treatment.

Articles 16 and 17 provide for removing and replacing an identification mark.

Articles 18 to 21 provide for production of documents and records, movement restrictions, false information and offences by bodies corporate. The Order is enforced by the local authority (article 22).

Article 23 revokes articles 3 to 6, 12 and 15 of, and Schedules 1 and 7 to, the Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1995 and contains saving provisions.

Breach of this Order is an offence under section 73 of the Animal Health Act 1981, punishable in accordance with section 75 of that Act.

A business and regulatory impact assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies may be obtained from the Scottish Government Rural and Environment Directorate, Animal Health and Welfare Division, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD.