The Canadian Sheep Identification Program is an industry-led initiative to develop a trace back system that will address producer concerns about sheep health and meet consumer expectations for quality assurance and food safety.

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Guidelines for Livestock Dealers and Auction Marts

As of January 1, 2004

All sheep and lambs must bear an approved CSIP ear tag before they leave any premises.

This includes animals leaving the premises temporarily.
(for example: exhibitions, veterinarian clinics, community pastures)
It will be illegal to transport untagged animals.

Livestock dealers and auction marts are required to:

• Accept only sheep that bear an approved CSIP ear tag applied by the farm of origin.

• If a lamb or sheep has lost a tag in transit, keep a record of the origin and subsequent destination of the animal (date, name and address of source, date of departure, name and address of person who removed the animal).

• You may choose to apply a new tag. Tags must be purchased from an approved distributor. When purchasing tags, you will be asked to provide your name, address and phone number.

• Approved CSIP ear tags must not be removed from any live animal or tampered with for any reason and must not be re-used. If an animal dies on your property, the tag should be removed and recorded with the cause of death if known.