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Storm preparedness for horses, livestock

Part 1: Identifying your animals

By Stephanie A. Conner UF/IFAS Clay Extension
Posted 6/19/19

CLAY COUNTY – As those of us living in Florida are aware, hurricane season already has started and it will end in November. As I was thinking about my family this year and what our plan is for this …

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Storm preparedness for horses, livestock

Part 1: Identifying your animals


Posted

CLAY COUNTY – As those of us living in Florida are aware, hurricane season already has started and it will end in November. As I was thinking about my family this year and what our plan is for this season, I wondered if others were planning. I always get calls a day or two before the storm is to hit from small farmers or one-horse owners asking what they should do with their animals like livestock and horse. Identifying them is the first step.

While most people do not own enough animals to do freeze branding or maybe they just do not want to do that, there are other methods to identifying your animals. Below you will find some tips for identifying your horses and livestock during a storm, or any emergencies situation for that matter. Keep in mind that what works for one may not work for another but being prepared ahead of time will lessen the stress.

Different methods for marking or identifying your animal:

Whether leaving your animal on your property or moving them to a safer location, marking your animal with your contact information is crucial. There are several methods for marking animals, the following

are a few identification options for your horses and livestock:

· Paint or marker contact information on them so that it can be read. (Use a product that will not wash off in the rain and water and of course is non-toxic.)

· Livestock tags – heavy duty plastic identification tag for livestock. Braid tag into manes or tops of tails. You may need to punch a hole in the bottom of the tag for the bottom end of your braid. These can be purchased agriculture supply stores, some local feed stores and at online livestock supply companies.

· Attach ID tag to halters or collars. This can be anything from dog tags to luggage tags. Make sure it is in a place on the halter that won’t hurt the horse or dangle and get caught on something.

· Microchip. Make sure contact information is up to date.

· Neck Strap – heavy duty plastic or leather identification collar for horses. A tag marker is the best options for writing on plastic tags, but a permanent marker will work.

Identification tags should contain owners name, address and phone number; if possible, a 2nd contact number is recommended. Other information is optional. Keep in mind that marking, microchipping and tagging are things you can or should also do with other pets as well as.

In Part 2, we will tell you what to do if you have to move your animals during a story and what to do if they stay.

During hurricanes if you are planning to transport your animal be aware of the Florida policies for the transportation of animals both intrastate as well as interstate. For more information about preparing your animals during emergencies situations visit: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Animals/Animal-Related-Emergency-Response.

For more information about Clay County 4-H and Extension, visit https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/clay/ or call (904) 284-6355.