LIMESTONE Coast landscape officers are set to begin deer farm inspections to assess compliance with farmer obligations to keep farmed deer secure and tagged.
The inspections are the next step following a 24 month education period where updated obligations were communicated to registered deer farmers in the region by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, allowing them time to implement ear tagging and fencing requirements.
Under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, deer are declared for control and the Act includes separate declarations for farmed and feral deer.
"In SA, farmed deer must be tagged and confined to ensure they are clearly differentiated from feral deer", Limestone Coast Landscape Board chairperson Penny Schulz said.
"The inspections that will be undertaken by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board aim to reduce the considerable damage escaped deer and feral deer cause to our environment and agricultural industries.
"Feral deer eat native plants, pasture, crops, damage fences and have significant potential to spread diseases and are also known to cause other problems, such as hazards on our roads and attracting illegal hunters on both private and public lands."
In SA all farmed deer must be registered with PIRSA under a property identification code.
Farmed deer over 12 months of age, and farmed deer of any age being moved, must carry a permanent ear tag.
Further information on deer farmer responsibilities for fencing standards and ear tagging requirements, can be found at www.pir.sa.gov.au in the farmed deer section.
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