24Alteration or removal of permanent identifier

24 Alteration or removal of permanent identifier

24 Alteration or removal of permanent identifier

(1) In this clause—

alter includes deface.

permanent identifier includes an identifier attached to identifiable stock under and in accordance with a related NLIS law.

(2) A person must not alter, or cause or permit the alteration of—

(a) a permanent identifier that is attached, or intended to be attached, to any identifiable stock, or

(b) any equipment that is used for the purposes of attaching or reading a permanent identifier.

(3) A person must not remove a permanent identifier that is attached to any identifiable stock, or cause or permit a permanent identifier to be removed from any identifiable stock, except in the following circumstances—

(a) if the stock has been slaughtered at an abattoir,

(b) if the person has been authorised by an authorised officer to remove the permanent identifier and does so in accordance with any conditions specified in the authorisation,

(c) if the stock is dead (unless the person knows or reasonably suspects that death was due to a pest or disease for which there is a duty to notify the Chief Veterinary Officer),

(d) for electronically identified stock with an electronic device—if the device cannot be read electronically and a new device is attached to the stock immediately after the removal.

(4) A person must not do any of the following if a permanent identifier in relation to identifiable stock has been altered or removed from the stock in contravention of this clause—

(a) buy, sell or send the stock,

(b) cause or permit the stock to be sold, bought or sent.

(5) Nothing in this clause prevents an authorised officer, an animal welfare inspector or a food inspector from removing a permanent identifier, or causing a permanent identifier to be removed, from any stock.

cl 24: Am 2024 (214), Sch 1[12].