Animal movement licence

Controlling the movement of livestock and importation of pet animals.


At Suffolk County Council, our Trading Standards officers enforce rules on licencing the movement of livestock and restrictions on the importation of certain pets.

Movement restrictions help to prevent and control the spread of disease, such as Foot and Mouth, and Rabies.

Sheep, goat and pig movement licences

Whenever sheep, goats or pigs are moved, a movement document must be completed and sent to Suffolk County Council Trading Standards.

Sheep, Goat and Pig Movement Book Postal Check Scheme

Suffolk County Council Trading Standards has developed a system to check sheep, goat and pig movement records within Suffolk by post. Participants receive a new book that ensures compliance with all of the current on-farm record requirements for live and dead-stock movements.

Click the link for an application pack or more information.

Cattle movement licences

Cattle movements must be reported to the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) in Workington, Cumbria. You can access information regarding your own holding and cattle via the BCMS web site. You need to register with BCMS before accessing the site.

A standstill period of six days applies whenever cattle, sheep, or goats are moved onto a holding. A 20 day 'standstill' applies when pigs are moved on.

This means that until the standstill period expires, no stock can be moved from the premises other than to slaughter.

There are, however, a few exceptions to the standstill period. If in doubt, contact us or visit  DEFRA.

Equine

Legislation has been introduced that requires all horses, ponies and other equines in England to have a passport.

Pet Travel Scheme

The Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet set rules. It also means that people in the UK can travel between these countries without placing their pets in quarantine.



Relevant Links
Animal Health and Welfare