The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Livestock Brand Commission will hold a saddle microchipping event on March 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Florida Parishes Arena in Amite, Louisiana.
This initiative is part of the department’s microchip identification program, which allows saddle owners across Louisiana to register and identify their saddles with a microchip implant. The purpose of the program is to help brand officers confirm ownership and return property if saddles are stolen.
“Saddles don’t often have identifiable marks or serial numbers to reference if they are stolen,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “By microchipping your saddle, you ensure it has a unique, registered identification that law enforcement can use to confirm ownership in the event of theft. This not only deters potential thieves, but also greatly increases the chances of recovering and returning stolen saddles to their rightful owners.”
The program is a collaborative effort involving the Livestock Brand Commission, parish sheriff’s offices, other law enforcement agencies, parish cattlemen’s associations, and riding clubs.
The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry provides support and services throughout the state for farmers, consumers, and industry stakeholders. Its responsibilities include regulation enforcement for food safety and animal health as well as promotion of agricultural products and management of forest health programs. The department aims to protect agriculture, forestry, soil conservation resources statewide through various initiatives according to its official website.
For more information about the event or questions regarding saddle microchipping, individuals can contact the Livestock Brand Commission at 225-925-3962 or Ms. Toni with the Florida Parishes Area at 985-748-5914.
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