In light of the recent wave of stock thefts in the Randfontein area, the Herald has investigated how to mark your cattle the right way to ease the recovery process.
A Westonaria farmer recently lost stock worth approximately R1 million in an incident of stock theft.
The farmer, Simon Mathysen, is still hopeful that his cattle will be found, because of their unique markings.
The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries requires farmers to mark their cattle. It is a prerequisite for farmers to register an identification mark at the Department.
Farms can download or obtain the application form from the Department’s website, magistrates’ courts, police stock theft units, or from the Animal Identification Registrar in Pretoria.
According to the Department’s website, the cost is R120 and the process takes approximately two weeks to finalise.
How the application process works:
Complete the form and sign it.
If the form is not personally signed, i.e. by the owner of the animals, a letter must be provided authorising the signatory to complete the application form.
Make a direct deposit of the necessary fee into the Department’s bank account at Standard Bank, Arcadia. Account number: 011252871, branch number: 010845. Post the original deposit slip and application form to: The Registrar of Animal Identification, Private Bag X138, Pretoria, 0001.
Alternatively, the application and money can be taken to the Delpen Building on the corner of Annie Botha Avenue and Union Streets, Riviera, Pretoria.
How branding works:
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) states that permanent identification marks can be put on animals by means of hot iron branding, freeze branding or tattooing.
The NSPCA became aware of hot iron branding being performed on the cheeks of cattle in 2010. They have since condemned it and it is currently not being practiced.
According to the SPCA, branding may not be more than three letters, symbols or characters (two letters for ostriches).
The practice of branding ultimately helps farmers protect the investment into which they put all of their time and effort.
For more information about applications, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries can be contacted on 012 319 6000 or via email on sanetc@daff.gov.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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