THE branding and tattooing of small stock will be compulsory throughout South Africa from October 1, Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza said on Thursday. She said the Livestock Brands Act will be brought into force in the only areas that have so far been exempt — KwaZulu-Natal and 27 magisterial districts of Northern Province. Owners in these areas will have a six month period of grace to comply. “A permanent visible legal identification mark on an animal acts as a stock theft deterrent and is the only legal positive proof of ownership when strayed or stolen cattle are recovered,” she said. This will not stop stock theft altogether, but the risk for thieves will grow as more owners brand or tattoo their animals with registered marks. Livestock owners in the new areas also have six months to register a brand, free of charge, with the registrar of brands in Pretoria.