Why do we inspect sheep and goats? 
The Scottish Government carry out sheep and goat identification inspections each year to ensure that keepers of sheep and goats are complying with animal identification legislation set by the UK and EU. All businesses who keep sheep and/or goats that are selected for a cross compliance inspection are subject to a sheep and goat identification inspection.
What do we look for?
The main purpose of the inspection is to:
- Ensure an annual inventory figure has been included in your record
- Check movement documents against the SAMU register
- Check sales and purchases invoices against your records
- Physically inspect sheep and goats, including a tag check
- Perform a head count of sheep/goats present.
Where can you find out more?
The following guidance notes are used by Scottish Government staff who carry out sheep and goat inspections.