Horse PIC Reminder

HUNTER Local Land Services has issued a reminder for all horse owners to ensure they a Property Identification Code (PIC) and if moving horses in New South Wales, a Transported Stock Statement (TSS).

Kristi Arnot, district veterinarian for Hunter Local Land Services, said it is a legal requirement for equine events and critical for bio-security.

“With local agricultural show season underway in our region, horse owners attending these and many other equine events will find they are being asked to supply a PIC number,” said Dr Arnot.

“Ignorance is not acceptable, if a sick horse attends a local event, we need to be able to trace where it came from, and stop any disease outbreaks at the source,” she said.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of people contacting us wondering what it is all about – this is not a new regulation and horse owners must comply, even if you only own a pony for the kids,” she said.

“Even if your horse never leaves your property, you are still required to have a PIC,” Dr Kristi Arnot.

Local Land Services advise PIC’s can usually be arranged within 24 hours and Transported Stock Statements are available individually or in booklets from Local Land Services.

TSS are required for all horse movements, unless you have:

• horses being transported to or from any agricultural show, exhibition, gymkhana, pony club meeting or similar function,
• racehorses or harness racing horses being transported from one place to another,
• horses being transported to or from any place for use as working horses,
• horses being transported to and from a place for veterinary treatment.

Authorities may stop your vehicle and request to see your statement at any time.

“PIC numbers and Transport statements are crucial to maintaining Australia’s enviable disease free status for so many dreadful viruses,” said Dr Arnot.

“Please help ensure the health of your livestock and pets, by adhering to the regulations and doing your bit to maintain these systems,” she said.

“Our team at Hunter Local Land Services can set you up with a PIC quickly, and this will make it much easier for you to take your horse or pony to local events, and can also be crucial in an emergency such as fire or flood, so we know where animals that may need evacuating are located,” Dr Kristi Arnot said.

To arrange a PIC or Travelling Stock Statement booklet, phone 1300 795 299, or visit your nearest Local Land Services office.