Biosecurity Queensland brands manager Nicole Scott said current brand and earmark registration details helped to identify livestock and ensure brands were being used correctly.

“Up to date brand and earmark registration protects owners if livestock are lost or stolen,” she said.

“Current brand and earmark registration ensures owners have valid, up to date documentation of proof-of-stock ownership.”

Ms Scott said if brands and earmarks were not renewed, livestock owners risked cancellation.

“Some livestock owners are not aware they are legally required to renew their brands and earmark registration details annually,” she said.

“If a brand return is not completed for three consecutive years the registered brand and or registered earmark may be cancelled.

“Livestock owners will be contacted by mail at their last known address prior to cancellation occurring.

“If we cannot make contact with owners, and brands or earmarks have not been renewed, they will be cancelled.”

* For more information on brands renewal, call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au