Animal identification mark

About applying to register an animal identification mark

If you own cattle, sheep, goats or pigs, it is compulsory that you mark your livestock. You must apply for a registered identification mark at the Department of Agriculture forestry and fisheries.

An animal identification mark shows to whom the animal belongs. If the animal is lost or stolen and is found, it will be possible to trace the owner. An identification mark consists of not more than three letters of the alphabet or symbols (characters).

Permanent identification marks can be put on animals by means of hot iron branding, freeze branding or tattooing. If you buy animals or get them as a gift, you must put an identification mark on them within two weeks. Animals that you sell should also have your identification mark.

Your mark is put on an official list and no one may use it or brand your animal without your permission.

Note: You may not put an identification mark on your animals if you have not registered the identification mark.

What you should do

• Download or obtain the application form from extension officers, magistrate offices, stock-theft units of the South African Police Services or from the Registrar: Animal Identification in Pretoria.
• Complete the application form and sign the form.
• If you have not personally signed the application, you must provide a letter authorising the signatory to accompany the application form.
• Post the original deposit slip and the application form to: The Registrar of Animal Identification Private Bag X 138 Pretoria 0001
• Pay a fee of R120 to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries at: Standard Bank Branch: Arcadia Branch Number: 010845 Account Number: 011252871
• or take the application form to the Delpen Building, on the corner of Annie Botha Avenue and Union Street, Riviera, Pretoria.
  

The registration is placed on the National Register of Animal Identification System (AIS).

How long does it take

It may take two weeks for an identification mark to be registered.

How much does it cost

R120

Forms to complete

(Forms are provided in PDF format. To open PDF documents, you need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader 4 or higher installed on your computer.)

Application for registration of an identification mark.

The form can also be obtained from extension officers, magistrates offices, stock-theft units of the South African Police Services or from the Registrar: Animal Identification in Pretoria

Who to contact

Tel: 012 319 6000
Fax: 012 319 7551
Email: sanetc@daff.gov.za
City/town: Pretoria
Province: Gauteng
Physical address: Delpen Building, Crn Annie Botha Avenue and Union Street, Riviera Pretoria Postal address: Registrar: Animal Identification, Private Bag X138, Pretoria 0001