Hot branding of equines
On this page you can find out more about the British Veterinary Association view on the hot branding of horses and ponies.
Background
Under the EU Equine Identification Regulation 504/2008 all foals born after 1st July 2009 will have to have a microchip inserted as a means of identification. In addition all equidae sold or taken to slaughter must have a passport linked to its microchip. Alternative methods of identification can be used, but only if they give the same scientific guarantees as a microchip.
In principle we oppose hot branding as a method of indentifying horses and ponies.
Legislation
- in December 2009 the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) launched a consultation on the hot branding of equines in Scotland
- in August 2010 the Scottish Government announced that they would be introducing legislation to ban the hot branding of equines
What the BVA has done
More information