Sheep and goats, like cows, are ruminant animals. They have a four-chambered stomach, using the first chamber to store food (cud) which they then bring back into their mouths to chew again before fully digesting it. These grazing animals often prefer noxious weeds and plants, which makes them great environmentalists. Goats and sheep deserve the same love and compassion from humans that they show to each other.

Specific Requirements

IDENTIFICATION
All sheep must be identified individually with appropriate ear tags issued in accordance with the requirements of the National Sheep Identification System (NSIS). Movement Documentation
All consignments of sheep being moved must be accompanied by a completed dispatch document. Individual details of each sheep in the consignment must be recorded on the document. Sheep from non-restricted flocks only can be moved to shows. In the case of flocks restricted following diagnosis of scrapie, sheep possessing the ARR/ARR genotype only may be exhibited. The movement of these ARR/ARR genotype sheep must be accompanied by the relevant movement permit (SCR/10), which can be obtained from the local District Veterinary Office in the county where the flock is located.
AIM Notification
The movement of sheep to and from an Agricultural Show within the State must be recorded on AIM. This is done using a copy of the owner’s sheep dispatch document as follows:
1.The owner/keeper presents the signed and completed dispatch document to the show secretary who checks it to ensure that it is completed in full.
2.The show secretary fills in the MART section of the dispatch document with (i) the show number, (ii) the date of the move back to the source holding (iii) stamps it with the show stamp and (iv) signs the dispatch document.
3.The show secretary then forwards the completed pink section of the dispatch document to the local DVO within 7 days of the show movement.
4.The show secretary keeps a white copy for his/her records.
5.The source/destination keeper keeps the bottom yellow copy to enter it into their flock register.
Ultimate responsibility for fulfilling this requirement lies with the Show Secretary. Flock Register
All movements of sheep to and from shows must be recorded in the keeper’s flock register.

Attendance of sheep from scrapie monitored flocks at shows and sales in 2019 Shows between 1st May and 30th September
Sheep from scrapie monitored flocks will be permitted to attend agricultural shows taking place between May 1st and September 30th without restriction or separation from other categories of sheep.