Legislation, Regulations and Standards for Horses

Rodeos in Victoria

In Victoria, an individual permit or an annual licence is required to operate a rodeo and an individual permit is needed for a rodeo school. Application and issuing of licences/permits and conditions for operation of rodeo/rodeo schools are regulated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Act 1986 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2008.

Property Identification Codes (PICs): Horses

A property identification code (PIC) is an eight character code allocated by the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) which identifies a specific property where livestock, including horses, may reside.

Microchipping horses

New laws for microchipping horses are now in place in Victoria. These laws set standards for the way horses must be microchipped and how the information is recorded.

Codes of Practice for horse welfare in Victoria

Horses are kept under a variety of conditions, from extensive grazing in unfenced wilderness to intensive housing in individual stalls. A person in charge of horses should be aware of the various Codes of Practice for horse welfare in Victoria.

Acts and Regulations

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1986) and Regulations (2008)

The Acts listed below can be found at: www.legislation.vic.gov.au

• Domestic Animals Act 1994
• Domestic Animals Regulations 2005
• Impounding of Livestock Act 1994
• Impounding of Livestock Regulations 2008