Guidance

Report lost or stolen cattle

What to do if any of your cattle, bison or buffalo are lost or stolen, and if you get them back.

• From: British Cattle Movement Service and Rural Payments Agency
• Published: 6 May 2014
• Last updated: 8 November 2022 — See all updates

Applies to England and Wales

• Guidance for Northern Ireland
• Guidance for Scotland

Cattle keepers must report any loss or theft of cattle, bison or buffalo to:

• the police
• the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS)

You must also post the animal’s passport or certificate of registration to BCMS. BCMS must receive this within 7 days of you becoming aware of the loss or theft.

British Cattle Movement Service
Curwen Road
Derwent Howe
Workington
CA14 2DD
Telephone (England): 0345 050 1234
Telephone (Wales): 0345 050 3456
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm
Find out about call charges
Email: bcmsenquiries@rpa.gov.uk

You must also record the date of the loss or theft in your holding register.

If you’re a member of the public, call the police to report lost cattle.

If the animal is found

You must:

• confirm this in writing with BCMS
• inform the police
• update your holding register to show the animal has been found

What happens next

BCMS will send you a replacement passport. In some cases, they might need to visit your holding first.

Published 6 May 2014
Last updated 8 November 2022 + show all updates

1. 8 November 2022

   Content has been updated to improve readability and include contact details.

2. 4 October 2021

   This guidance has been updated to show it no longer applies to Scotland.

3. 6 May 2014

   First published.