Did you know that anyone who keeps horses in NSW is required to obtain a Property Identification Code (“PIC”) for the land on which the horses are kept?
The requirement to have a PIC has been around for some time for livestock owners, whether the livestock is moved or not, but what a lot of people don’t
seem to know is that even if you own just one horse you must have a PIC.
The need for a register of the location of all horses (and other livestock) was recognised during the equine influenza outbreak in 2007. At its peak, approximately
47,000 horses in NSW were infected. Horse owners and industry workers faced dark times with major impacts on their livelihood and lifestyle.
The Hendra Virus outbreaks in Queensland are a stark reminder that some forms of animal disease can also be detrimental to human health. PIC information
improves traceability back to specific properties enabling a more rapid and effective response to animal disease outbreaks.
To apply for a PIC you need to lodge a one-page application with Local Land Services. Usually each property has its own PIC, however one PIC can be used
for more than one property if the properties are used for a common purpose and are adjoining or nearby.
For non-Local Land Services ratepayers the application fee is $22 and for ratepayers it is $11.
It is important to note that if your horse is agisted elsewhere, the owner or occupier of that land must also have a PIC. Brands and earmarks/tags identify
the animal, not the property (which is the role of the PIC).
The infringement notice penalty for not having a PIC is $550.
For more information on PICs go to the Local Land Services website at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/livestock or call 1300 795 299.
Author: Michaela Schmidt
This article is general information only and should not be relied on without obtaining further specific information.
{module_webapps,27704,i,6981275,,,true,,false,}