Livestock Brands

The branding of animals with some unique mark to allow an owner to distinguish their animals from others has been practiced for centuries. In the late 1800s, the Government established the Registrar of Brands to ensure that owners could nominate their brand and no-one else could use that registered brand. The legislation covering brands is the Brands Act [External site - opens in new window] and the Branding of Pigs Act [External site - opens in new window].

To apply for, cancel or transfer a brand, contact the:

Registrar of Brands
GPO Box 1671
Adelaide SA 5001

Phone (08) 8207 7890 Fax (08) 8207 7909

The Registrar must also be informed of:

  • the death of an owner of a registered brand

  • any change in the composition of the firm or partnership

  • any change in the postal address or property on which the brand is to be used.

It is compulsory for pig owners who intend to sell their animals through a market or for slaughter to have a brand. With the other species, branding is not compulsory however if an owner wishes to brand his or her animals the brand must be registered with the registrar of brands.