The Animals (Identification, Records, Movement and Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
Background
The Animals (Identification, Records, Movement and Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (the “Regulations”) were made by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on 27 January 2025. The Regulations came into force on 1 April 2025.
The Regulations amend the Animals (Identification, Records, Movement and Enforcement) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2019 (the “2019 Regulations”). The 2019 Regulations implement Council Regulation (EC) No. 21/2004 on the identification and registration of bovine animals and Council Regulation (EC) No. 1760/2000 establishing a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals.
Purpose of the Regulations
The purpose of the Regulations is to amend the 2019 Regulations to:
- Provide for the use of electronic identification tags for all bovine animals born or imported into Northern Ireland on or after 1 January 2026;
- Introduce a requirement for all keepers of bovine animals to keep a record of all movements of bovine animals on or off their holding;
- Increase the penalties for breaches of the 2019 Regulations; and
- Make a number of minor and technical amendments to the 2019 Regulations.
Key Changes
The key changes introduced by the Regulations are as follows:
- Electronic identification tags: From 1 January 2026, all bovine animals born or imported into Northern Ireland must be identified with an electronic identification tag. The tag must be applied by a veterinarian or other authorised person.
- Movement records: All keepers of bovine animals must keep a record of all movements of bovine animals on or off their holding. The record must include the following information:
- The date of the movement;
- The number of bovine animals moved;
- The identification numbers of the bovine animals moved;
- The name and address of the person to whom the bovine animals were moved; and
- The name and address of the person from whom the bovine animals were moved.
- Penalties: The penalties for breaches of the 2019 Regulations have been increased. The maximum penalty for a first offence is now £5,000. The maximum penalty for a second or subsequent offence is now £10,000.
- Minor and technical amendments: The Regulations also make a number of minor and technical amendments to the 2019 Regulations. These amendments are intended to clarify the meaning of the 2019 Regulations and to make them more effective.
Impact of the Regulations
The Regulations will have a significant impact on the livestock industry in Northern Ireland. The use of electronic identification tags will improve the traceability of bovine animals and help to prevent the spread of disease. The requirement to keep movement records will also help to improve the traceability of bovine animals and will make it easier to enforce the 2019 Regulations. The increased penalties for breaches of the 2019 Regulations will help to deter non-compliance.
Conclusion
The Regulations are an important step in improving the traceability of bovine animals in Northern Ireland. The Regulations will help to prevent the spread of disease, improve the enforcement of the 2019 Regulations, and protect the livestock industry in Northern Ireland.
The Animals (Identification, Records, Movement and Enforcement) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
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