The MEC for North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr Boitumelo Tshwene says his department is disturbed by some local farmers’ persistent tendency to not brand their livestock.
This comes in the wake of problems the South African Police Service (SAPS) is encountering in identifying the rightful owners of reported stolen animals after recovering them. MEC Tshwene says livestock owners must brand their animals as a deterrent to stock theft and to assist police in identifying recovered animals.
Tshwene says it is compulsory for all livestock owners to mark their cattle, sheep, goats and pigs as stated in the Animal Identification Act, (Act No.6 of 2002).
“It is advantageous to brand mark animals with legal marks because they serve as visible deterrents to stock thieves who are inclined to steal animals that are not properly marked,” Tshwene advised.
The registration of an identification mark of animals requires that owners must apply for a registered identification mark; the process which can be guided by agricultural extension officers, or through magistrates offices, stock theft units or from the Registrar of Animal Identification. A once-off registration fee of R120.00 is payable on application.
The registration will ultimately be placed on the National Register of Animal Identification System (AIS) of which the South African Police Service (SAPS) are the custodian.
MEC Tshwene says it remains the duty of individual livestock owners to register an identification mark at the Registrar of Animal Identification.
“The most critical aspect of this process is to ensure that animals are marked in the prescribed manner, legible at a distance and the marking must be permanent. If you are not sure about the process of marking, please engage your local extension and advisory officer for assistance,” encouraged MEC Tshwene.
Cattle must be marked by the age of six months or tattooed from the age of one month whereas small stock like sheep, goats and pigs can only be tattooed at the age of one month.
“We also call on farmers to attend the information day sessions usually organised by the Department because it is during platforms like these where farmers can learn more through demonstrations that are made in so far as general aspects of farming are concerned,” MEC Tshwene said.
Enquiries:
Bonolo Mohlakoana
Cell: 082 901 2435
Tel: 018 389 5719
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
