Federated Farmers says new micro-dot technology could be useful in curbing sheep and cattle rustling, but farmers should still always report any losses to police.
The latest stroke of ingenuity to combat rustling is paint containing micro-disc which contain code numbers that can identify an animal's home farm.
Painted on, it entwines in the sheep's fleece, identifying where an animal comes from.
Similar technology has been developed in New Zealand to help forensically fingerprint livestock, but some farmers feel criminals simply aren't afraid of getting caught.
"The big concern, I think, is the penalties for rustling don't put people off rustling stock," said Miles Anderson, Federated Farmers meat and fibre representative.
Federated Farmers says only 40 per cent of thefts are being reported, and while the new technology could be useful, farmers should still always report any losses to the police as soon as they can.
"A lot of farmers are thinking that perhaps it's wasting police time to report the crime when there's no hope of ever tracing the stock," Mr Anderson said.
He says buy-in to the micro-dot paint would need to be widespread.
"Meat companies and the sale yards would need to invest in the technology. And trials need to be done," Mr Anderson said.
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