Ensuring contact for horse owners in times of need

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Victorian owners are being encouraged to register a Property Identification Code (PIC).

Agriculture Victoria livestock traceability manager Ben Fahy said PICs provided horse owners with an extra level of protection during emergencies.

“If there’s a flood, fire or disease outbreak, we may need to reach out with concerns specific to your animals, or for emergency relief and recovery activities within an impacted area,” Mr Fahy said.

“Getting a PIC is quick, easy, and free via the Agriculture Victoria website – all that’s required is your contact details, the number of horses and the parcels of land where they’re kept.”

All Victorian properties with livestock, including horses, are required by law to have a PIC, an eight-character code essential for contact and traceability purposes.

“PICs are required whether you keep a horse for recreational, agricultural or competitive purposes – even for your brood mare in the paddock,” Mr Fahy said.

“When horses are on agistment away from home, it’s essential that those properties have PICs, which can be applied for by the horse owner or service provider.”

Based in Warrnambool, Katrina Routson is one of Australia’s largest Friesian horse breeders and said PICs provided peace of mind in case of emergency.

“If a bushfire comes through someone would know that we have animals,” Ms Routson said.

Livestock owners should regularly review their PIC details and update any changes that have occurred such as change in property address, species of livestock or changes to personal details.

When livestock are offered for sale, given away or bartered via online or print media, the PIC of the property at which the livestock are kept must be included in the advertisement.

Register for a Property Identification Code at agriculture.vic.gov.au/horsepic or call 1800 678 779.