To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (i) for his assessment of whether the introduction of bovine electronic identification will help with the prevention and prosecution of livestock theft; (ii) whether this system can be used with other species of livestock in future; and (iii) what other ways of preventing and prosecuting for livestock thefts are being explored.

Although not currently in use, the Department may consider the introduction of bovine electronic identification at some point in the future. While bovine electronic identification can deliver many benefits, including a reduction in paperwork and direct animal contact, it is not designed to specifically assist with the prevention and prosecution of livestock theft.

Since 2010, electronic identification has been required for sheep and goats, however, there are currently no plans to roll this out to any further livestock species.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is responsible for enforcing legislation in relation to the theft of livestock. My Department will continue to cooperate with the PSNI in respect of any relevant investigations of livestock theft, as necessary.