Journey
Moving livestock: quick compliance check
Pre-movement compliance checklist for cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. Three quick checks: tagging correct, standstill clear, documentation ready.
Pre-movement compliance checklist
Three checks before moving any cattle, sheep, goats, or pigs. Run through in order.
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Before you move: is everything in order?
Tagging correct?
Quick check: Animals cannot leave your holding without correct identification.
- Cattle: Two approved ear tags (one each ear) + valid passport. Check both tags readable.
- Sheep/goats: EID tag + visual tag (or double EID). Slaughter lambs under 12 months can have one yellow EID tag only.
- Pigs: Slap mark or ear tag showing your herd mark. Check marks are legible.
Missing or unreadable tag? Replace before moving. You cannot move untagged animals.
Livestock tagging requirements
Full species-specific tagging rules, deadlines, and how to order replacement tags
Standstill period over?
Quick check: When did animals last arrive on this holding?
Species Standstill If animals arrived Monday... Cattle 6 days Can move from the following Monday Sheep 6 days Can move from the following Monday Goats 6 days Can move from the following Monday Pigs 20 days Can move from the Monday three weeks later Still in standstill? You cannot move animals off the holding (with limited exceptions).
Standstill compliance guide
Full standstill rules, exemptions, and how to plan movements around standstill periods
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During the move: documentation and welfare
Documentation to carry
- Cattle: Passport must travel with each animal
- Sheep/goats: Movement document (unless both on and off movements reported online via LIS)
- Pigs: eAML2 movement document (generated when you pre-notify)
Markets/slaughterhouses: Hand documents to receiving keeper on arrival.
Transport welfare requirements
All journeys:
- Animals must be fit for travel (not sick, injured, or about to give birth)
- Adequate bedding, ventilation, and space for species
- Water available for journeys over 8 hours
- Driver competent in animal handling
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After the move: report and record
Report the movement
Both keepers must report: The sending keeper reports the off-movement; the receiving keeper reports the on-movement.
Species System Deadline Cattle CTS / BCMS Within 3 days Sheep/goats LIS Within 3 days (on-movement) Pigs eAML2 Sender confirms within 24 hours of departure; receiver confirms within 3 days of arrival Report livestock movements
Step-by-step reporting for each species including online and phone options
Update your holding register
All species: Record in your on-farm holding register within 36 hours.
Record: date, number of animals, tag numbers (or batch for sheep/pigs), origin/destination CPH, keeper details.
Holding register requirements
What to record, retention periods, and inspection requirements
Quick reference: key deadlines
Action Cattle/Sheep/Goats Pigs Pre-notification Not required Required via eAML2 Standstill period 6 days 20 days Report movement Within 3 days Sender confirms within 24 hours; receiver within 3 days Record in register Within 36 hours Within 36 hours