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Fines risk for non-compliant WA sheep and goat movements

Sheep Central, June 17, 2019

Sheep and goat movements will be monitored in WA next month.

WESTERN Australian sheep and goat owners not complying with the state’s traceability laws will risk fines of up to $500 in a statewide crackdown on stock movements starting next month.

The “targeted compliance operation” – Operation Brand Aid — by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development aimed to ensure stock leaving their property of origin are identified correctly and able to be traced.

Senior compliance inspector Mike Donaghy said inspectors would be checking livestock for National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) identification and auditing National Vendor Declaration (NVD) waybills for complete and correct information including valid property identification codes (PICs) and property addresses.

“Western Australia’s reputation for producing safe, high quality livestock products for domestic and export markets is underpinned by an effective traceability system.

“The effectiveness of our traceability system depends on producers ensuring that livestock identification and movement documentation are correct,” Mr Donaghy said.

“If traceability requirements are not met, we cannot provide assurances around stock health or certify stock to meet importing country requirements.”

Mr Donaghy said the operation aimed to strengthen the integrity of our traceability system throughout the supply chain.

“During Operation Brand Aid, producers who send livestock with incorrect or absent NLIS identification will be subject to compliance measures, including infringement notices.

“The majority of producers work hard to correctly identify their stock and the department will continue to provide education and awareness to assist producers with traceability requirements,” he said.

“However, where producers have a record of multiple non-compliance or where serious non-compliance is detected that creates significant biosecurity risk, then infringement notices and modified penalties may be applied.”

Mr Donaghy said areas that will be targeted during Operation Brand Aid include moving sheep or goats without the correct NLIS identification, owning or buying stock when not a registered stock owner, and not completing NVD waybills correctly.

“Penalties for these infringements range from $200 to $500.”

Producers’ traceability checklist

  • Check you have a sufficient quantity of NLIS tags/devices of the correct colour and NVD waybills well before the sale.
  • Only move stock that are correctly identified.
  • Check that the property you are sending stock from is registered to your PIC.
  • The PIC and address of the consignee (destination) must be included in the NVD waybill.
  • You can add agistment, lease or newly purchased properties to your stock brand registration – it is free.
  • Have questions? Call 1300 WA NLIS or 1300 926 547, or email [email protected]

The department has a dedicated helpline for producers with questions relating to their stock brand registration, livestock identification, NVD waybills and assistance with using the NLIS database. Call 1300 WA NLIS or 1300 926 547, or email [email protected]

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