20Dehorning and disbudding of cattle

20 Dehorning and disbudding of cattle

(1)  In this regulation –

dehorning means the removal of the horns of cattle;

disbudding means the removal of an area of skin including the horn bud in a calf prior to the solid attachment of the horn bud to the skull.

(2)  A person dehorning or disbudding cattle must –

(a) have the relevant knowledge, experience and skills to undertake the procedure, or be under the direct supervision of a person who has such knowledge, experience and skills; and

(b) use appropriate tools and methods to undertake the procedure.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and

(b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(3)  Subject to subregulation (4) , a person who has the care or charge of cattle must ensure that dehorning is not carried out on an animal 6 months of age or older unless the animal is given a suitable analgesic or is anaesthetised.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units; and

(b) an individual, a fine not exceeding 50 penalty units.

(4)  If the first yarding of an animal does not occur before the animal is 6 months of age, dehorning may be carried out on that animal without it being given a suitable analgesic or anaesthetic despite the fact that it is 6 months of age or older provided that –

(a) dehorning is carried out at the first yarding of the animal; and

(b) the animal is less than 12 months of age.

(5)  A person who has the care or charge of cattle must ensure that disbudding is not carried out on cattle by the use of caustic chemicals unless –

(a) the animal is a calf that is less than 14 days of age; and