Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS – SHEEP
IDENTIFICATION
All sheep must be identified individually with appropriate ear tags issued in accordance with the requirements of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS).
MOVEMENT DOCUMENTATION
All consignments of sheep being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document. Individual details of each sheep in the consignment must be recorded on the document. Sheep from non-restricted flocks only can be moved to shows. In the case of flocks restricted following diagnosis of scrapie, sheep possessing the ARR/ARR genotype only may be exhibited. The movement of these ARR/ARR genotype sheep must be accompanied by the relevant movement permit (SCR/10), which can be obtained from the local District Veterinary Office in the county where the flock is located.
AIM NOTIFICATION
The movement of sheep to and from an Agricultural Show within the State must be recorded on AIM. This is done using a copy of the owners sheep dispatch document as follows:
- The owner/keeper presents the signed and completed dispatch document to the show secretary who checks it to ensure that it is completed in full.
- The show secretary fills in the MART section of the dispatch document with (i)the show number, (ii) the date of the move back to the source holding stamps it with the (iii) show stamp and (iv) signs the dispatch document.
- The show secretary then forwards the completed pink section of the dispatch document to the local DVO within 7 days of the show movement.
- The show secretary keeps white copy for his/her records.
- The source/destination keeper keeps the botom yellow copy to enter it into their flock register. Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the Show Secretary.
FLOCK REGISTER
All movements of sheep to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s flock register.
EXPORTS TO NORTHERN IRELAND
All sheep must be accompanied by a TRACES intra-community trade certificate for ovine animals. A TRACES message, corresponding with the TRACES certificate, will be sent for each animal or consignment being dispatched to the show (this will be per- formed by Department officials of the DVO). Exhibitors are advised to contact the show society in Northern Ireland well in advance of any show to determine the suitability of the show for return of animals (e.g. premises and sheep status), and whether the authorities will have officials and veterinary staff present to supervise and process documentation for animals returning to origin.
New Rule for Exhibitors
If a qualified exhibitor does not turn up to an ISA final without giving prior notice to the ISA office or to a board member, he or she will incur a financial penalty.
Sheep Show Rules and regulations (relevant to rings 1, 2 and 3):
1. Dispatch documents will be required to be handed in to receive your entries and must be available for inspection on arrival
2. All pedigree animals entered in the Sheep Section must be registered with the relevant breed society or association.
3. All sheep must be tagged and have a completed dispatch docket before they can leave the trailer.
4. Animals being exhibited in the Commercial Sheep Section cannot be exhibited in the Pedigree classes on Show Day.
5. If insufficient entries to run a class the sheep will be entered in the relevant (age/gender) class “any other breed class”.
6. The judge’s decision is final
7. The show are not responsible if sheep are entered in wrong classes, and it is the exhibiter’s responsibly to check all their entry cards are correct before the show begins. (no refund will be given for incorrect entry’s)
8. If sheep entered in the commercial classes have pedigree tags they will be disqualified
9. If classes 132-141 are entered and the wrong dispatch book address is presented on the day no refund will be issued
10. In a case where one judge is complete judging there ring before another they may start judging some of the remaining classes in the opposite ring or they may help the other judge on his ring
11. The show reserves the right to weigh all factory lambs on the day of the show any lambs over weight will be disqualified without a refund
12. In any case where prizes in kind are given instead of prize money it may not be exchanged for prize money