The Limpopo Department of Agriculture (LDA) calls upon all livestock farmers to mark their animals for identification purposes. Farmers should consider that it is compulsory to get livestock identifiable in line with the Animal Identification Act (Act No.6 of 2002). Cattle have to be branded and other animals like sheep and goats tattooed.
Unique marks are issued by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) upon application and payment of R120.00 to the DAFF. In the past, revenue stamps, cheques and postal orders were used. With the discontinuation of the system of revenue stamps by the Post Office, some farmers struggle to effect payment. This prompted the DAFF to open up a dedicated account in which people can pay and send deposit slips with applications to Pretoria.
A registered identification mark (like a vehicle registered number) is only applicable to a specific owner to whom a unique mark was issued. Unlike before, the system chooses three characters of which big ones are for the cattle and small ones are for goats and sheep.
The identification marks have advantages that could help reduce stock theft since stock thieves are inclined to steal animals that are not marked. Identification marks will serve as positive identification and proof of ownership, thus resulting in more effective policing, recovery rate and tracing. With legal identification marks; if stolen and lost animals are found, it will be possible to find the owner.
Farmers are advised to contact their local Extension Officers and Animal Health Technicians or the nearest LDA offices for assistance.
For more information, contact:
Mr Kenny Mathivha
Tel: 015 294 3190
Cell: 082 450 1331
