New laws for microchipping horses
Microchipping your horse?
New laws for microchipping horses are now in place in Victoria. These laws set standards for the way horses must be microchipped and how the information is recorded.
Did you know…?
Under Victorian law, there is no obligation to microchip a horse. However, if you are having your horse microchipped in Victoria, as of 1 September 2009, it must be done in accordance with laws that have been introduced to protect the welfare of the horse.
Only authorised veterinary practitioners can legally implant microchips into horses in Victoria. This ensures that the microchip is implanted properly to avoid it migrating in the horse and ensures the welfare of your horse is protected.
An authorised veterinary practitioner is a veterinarian registered in Victoria that has successfully completed the Australian Veterinary Association’s authorised microchip implanter course.
Not all veterinary practitioners are authorised to microchip horses in Victoria. You can check with the Department of Primary Industries to find out if your veterinarian is authorised.
When a horse is microchipped the owner, horse and microchip details must be sent to a licensed animal registry. This is the role of the implanter. If the horse is to be registered with an industry registry, two forms will need to be completed. The licensed registries are listed on the DPI website.
Recording the required information on a licensed animal registry ensures that your horse can be identified if lost or stolen, or in an emergency such as fire or flood. Access to records on a licensed registry is restricted by law.
Change of contact or ownership details
When your contact details change, it is important that you update this information with the licensed animal registry.
If ownership of the horse changes (for example selling it), you should ensure that you and the new owner complete a change of ownership form. This form is available from the licensed registry with which the horse was recorded when microchipped. To find which registry your horse is recorded with, visit the website: www.petaddress.com.au.
It is recommended that you retain evidence of the change of ownership to enable you to demonstrate that you no longer own the horse should the need arise.
My horse is already micro-chipped. Can I still register with a licensed registry?
Horse owners can still register horses that are already microchipped on a licensed registry to provide peace of mind that their horse is identifiable if it is lost or stolen.
Just contact one of the licensed registries listed on the DPI website below. You can find out if the horse is already registered on a licensed registry by visiting the website www.petaddress.com.au and entering the microchip number.
Why microchip a horse?
- Microchipping your horse, and registering it on a licensed animal registry, can help you find your horse if it is lost or stolen, or in an emergency situation such as after fire or flood.
- A number of breed and equestrian organisations now require horses to be microchipped.
More Information
For more information visit the DPI website:www.dpi.vic.gov.au/farming/horses
Or call the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
