Hot branding, freeze marking and microchipping

(*) New Forest Pony wearing reflective collar. Image Copyright ValP. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License. To view a copy of this license, visit creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

There are three main ways to identify your horse or pony

Microchipping is a legal requirement for all horses and ponies born after 1 July 2009 (with a very few specific exceptions for moorland ponies in designated areas). Microchipping provides a guarantee of identity. Microchip implantation is not pain free, but does appear to inflict less pain and suffering than hot branding or freeze marking.
 

Freeze marking involves a cold branding iron being held on the skin for 7-10 seconds in dark horses to make a white mark, or 12-15 in lighter horses to destroy the hair growth follicles and make a bald mark. Freeze marking may deter the theft of horses and ponies, which can lead to neglect, poor welfare and slaughter, but it can cause significant suffering.
 

Hot branding involves the application of a very hot iron to the skin for several seconds or until the hide turns a light tan colour. This causes significant pain and suffering - more than freeze marking or microchipping. The RSPCA believes that this pain and suffering is unnecessary because there are effective alternative means of identification available which cause less suffering.

Moorland ponies

The RSPCA believes that moorland ponies should not be hot branded. Instead, they should be fitted with a microchip as this provides a guarantee of identity which is more reliable than hot branding. Freeze marking is often not suitable for moorland ponies that cannot be held still for long enough.

Leisure horses and ponies

Owners of horses and ponies should have their horse or pony microchipped as this is likely to be the least painful method of permanent identification of equines.

If owners are concerned about the possibility of theft, they may consider freeze marking, but should be aware that it causes some pain and suffering.

Owners of moorland ponies should have them microchipped and use a collar with a permanent numerical, alphabetical or symbolic marking if they require visible identification.

Passports

If you own a horse or a pony, or you are its main keeper then you are responsible for making sure your horse or pony has an up-to-date passport to identify them.  More information on horse passports can be found at DEFRA

More information

• Read about the Animal Welfare Act.
   
• Find out more about the needs of horses and ponies: environment, diet, behaviour, company, health and welfare.