How interesting...

[nativetyponies]

although myself and my OH both remarked on the evening of the programme that we'd thought it was illegal...

http://www.yourhorse.co.uk/Your-Horse-News/Search-Results/General-news/November-10/19-Nov-BVA/

 

[vixann]

fair enough but I dont agree that microchipping will help in all situations - Dont ppl use ear tags so they can be identified from a distance?

 

[Sandstone1]

Is it the same for cattle etc or just ponies? Does that also mean that the hot branding of breeds like exmoors is now ilegal?

 

[nativetyponies]

the ear cutting is illegal.

tagging for sheep and cattle remain the same i believe.

as for branding..kelly marks is doing her best to get it banned on welfare grounds..i for one, hopes she doesnt succeed

 

[Seahorse]

It's only been banned since 2007, so maybe they ear tag the ones that are born after that?

I watched the programme and only saw ear tags, not any ear cutting. Which I agree is awful btw.

 

[nativetyponies]

Yes, maybe all the mares that were cut, happened to be over 3 or 4 yrs old?

 

[Sandstone1]

the ear cutting is illegal.

tagging for sheep and cattle remain the same i believe.

as for branding..kelly marks is doing her best to get it banned on welfare grounds..i for one, hopes she doesnt succeed

Thanks for the reply. Why do you hope branding is not banned? Just out of interest I dont know much about it but do they need to be branded as well as micro chipped.

 

[BarmyC]

Thanks for the reply. Why do you hope branding is not banned? Just out of interest I dont know much about it but do they need to be branded as well as micro chipped.

How easy is it going to be to get close enough to a wild pony with a scanner to check its identity?

 

[Sandstone1]

Ok didnt think of that, would freeze marking not be a option? Hot branding does seem rather out dated.

 

[Ravenwood]

The company I work for sells ear notchers - small and large V's - usually used for pedigree pigs and some sheep. Not sure why its any different for ponies?