MORE horses are being microchipped to establish their true identity.

Owners now believe "chipping" is the only sure way to identify horses, especially when many breeds - Shetlands, for example - have large numbers that are black with no white markings.

Any new horse or pony registered with the Equestrian Federation now has to be chipped.

This follows amendments to the Domestic Animals Regulations 2005, which provides standards to ensure consistency in microchipping of horses.

Horses can only be microchipped by veterinary practitioners registered in Victoria who have completed the Australian Veterinary Association Victorian microchip implementation course.

It is now an offence under to microchip a horse without authorisation.

Changes to legislation for microchipping horses also include: Regulation of the type of microchip used; Regulation of the implantation procedure (including documentation); and Record-keeping procedures for licensed registries.

The legislation does not require mandatory microchipping of horses but if a horse is microchipped it must be in accordance with the legislation.

Changes came into effect on September 1.

For more information contact the DPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit the DPI website www.dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare

Applications for the AVA microchip course can be made to the Australian Veterinary Association on 9600 2930 or email avavic@ava.com.au