The use of hot iron branding of livestock including cattle, horses and other animals is legal in all States and Territories of Australia, with some conditions as specified in the table below.
| State/Territory | Yes/No | Name of relevant act/special conditions and requirements |
|---|---|---|
| ACT | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Animal Welfare Act 1992. The Code of Practice - Welfare of horses in the A.C.T. notes that hot iron branding may be required by some breed societies. It is recommended that branding is performed by experienced persons before weaning and as early as management practices will allow. |
| NSW | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. |
| NT | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Animal Welfare Act 2000. The branding of livestock is mandatory under the Livestock Regulations (NT) for cattle over the age of 8 months if they are to travel be sold given away or exchanged. |
| QLD | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001. The Brands Act 1915 prohibits the sale of unbranded cattle. See section 24A. The Brands Act limits areas that can be branded to neck rump shoulder thigh and twist. |
| SA | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Animal Welfare Act 1985. |
| TAS | Yes | A person in charge of cattle over the age of 6 months must identify them by brand or registered earmark under the Animal (Brands and Movement) Act 1984 (Tas). The brand may be anywhere on the animal except the head or neck. The Tasmanian Equine Welfare Guidelines 2008 are listed as an advisory code under the Act. The Guidelines provide that fire branding is the least acceptable form of horse identification and all efforts should be made to use alternatives. |
| VIC | Yes | Hot iron branding of cattle is not explicitly prohibited under Victorian legislation or mentioned in the Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of cattle (2001). |
| WA | Yes | Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals - Cattle approved under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. |
