BVA takes action over illegal pony ear marking

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has instructed its members to remind their horse and pony-owning clients of the illegal status of ear marking.

Action has been taken by the industry body following the broadcast of a BBC Countryfile programme, which featured a Welsh farm that utilised cuts to the ears of animals as a means of identification.

When the makers of the programme were contacted, they claimed to be unaware of the fact that ear marking is illegal under the Animal Welfare Act, with microchipping having taken its place as the accepted practice.

The BVA has therefore issued a notice to its members, as well as contacting Local Government Regulation and the pony welfare charity People4Ponies, in order to ensure the law is being enforced properly.

Harvey Locke, president of the BVA, said: "Ear mutilations are not permitted and we must make sure that message is reaching horse and pony owners."

This comes after the BVA called for the hot branding of horses and ponies to be banned across the UK, following the example set by Scotland.