Livestock Mart Licence Application

A person who wishes to operate a livestock mart must apply to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for a licence.

Marts must comply with the conditions set out in the licence. These conditions relate to the following:

• cleanliness and disinfection of buildings, fixtures and fittings
• visual displays which show the required details of cattle at time of sale
• segregation of livestock
• assignment of staff responsibilities for animal welfare, site cleanliness and traceability
• written standard operating procedures on issues such as animal welfare, signage and general operation of the mart
• keeping of records
• movement and traceability of animals
• pest control
• staff training
• capacity of the livestock mart

Only staff who hold a certificate of competence following completion of a relevant training course may be permitted to handle animals.

The mart must document each cleaning or disinfection routine completed describing:

• sector of the mart involved
• time and date of completion of the routine
• nature of the routine
• agents and dilutions used
• person performing the activity
• person supervising the effectiveness of the activity

Buildings, fixtures and fittings must be build so that they do not cause injury or unnecessary suffering of animals. They must have sufficient covered, well-lit accommodation to restrain animals safely and accommodate animals comfortably without overcrowding. Animals must have access to adequate food and water.

The livestock mart must comply with conditions set out in the General Terms and Conditions relating to the operation of livestock marts.

Marts must complete and return the following application form to their Regional Veterinary Office: