30Implantation of permanent identification device

30 Implantation of permanent identification device

(1) A person must not implant a permanent identification device into a prescribed animal unless—

(a) the device was packaged in individual sterile packaging at the time the person obtained the device; and

(b) the device was kept in that packaging until immediately before the device was scanned prior to implantation.

(2) A person must not implant a permanent identification device into a prescribed animal unless the person has scanned the device to confirm that—

(a) the device is functioning correctly; and

(b) its unique identification number displayed during scanning is the same as the number shown on the package in which the device was sold or supplied to the person.

(3) A person who implants a permanent identification device into a prescribed animal other than a horse must—

(a) implant the device subcutaneously in the dorsal midline between the scapulae with the device lying at a 30–45 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the animal; and

(b) scan the animal immediately after the implantation to confirm proper implantation and that the device is functioning correctly.

(4) A person who implants a permanent identification device into a horse must—

(a) implant the device into the nuchal ligament on the left side of the neck, midway between the poll and the wither; and

(b) scan the horse immediately after implantation to confirm proper implantation and that the device is functioning correctly.

It is an offence for a person to implant a permanent identification device in a prescribed animal if the person is not an authorised implanter or certain supervision requirements are not met—see section 63F of the Act.