SPCA New Zealand

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Animal Advocacy

Position Statements

Freeze and Hot Branding (Companion)

SPCA advocates that the freeze branding of animals must only ever take place when easily visualised permanent identification of an animal is mandatory and when microchipping is not a valid alternative.

SPCA advocates that the freeze branding of animals should only be performed by a veterinarian, or a veterinary student under the direct supervision of a veterinarian. If freeze branding does take place, it must be performed with adequate and appropriate medical care prior to, during, and after the procedure, including anaesthesia and analgesia.

SPCA opposes the use of hot branding to identify animals due to the pain associated with this procedure.

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