Editing Tattoo (section)

==== Identification of animals ====
{{See also|Animal tattoo}}
Pets, show animals, [[thoroughbred]] horses, and [[livestock]] are sometimes tattooed with [[animal identification]] marks. Ear tattoos are a method of identification for [[beef cattle]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Some Ways To Indentify &#91;sic&#93; Beef Cattle |url=http://www.thebeefsite.com/articles/1005/some-ways-to-indentify-beef-cattle/ |access-date=15 October 2018 |website=The Beef Site |language=en}}</ref> Tattooing with a 'slap mark' on the shoulder or on the ear is the standard identification method in commercial pig farming. [[Livestock branding|Branding]] is used for similar reasons and is often performed without anesthesia, but is different from tattooing as no ink or dye is inserted during the process, the mark instead being caused by permanent scarring of the skin.<ref name="FAnGRC">{{Cite web |last=Small |first=Richard |title=REVIEW OF LIVESTOCK IDENTIFICATION AND TRACEABILITY IN THE UK |url=http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=11417_IdentificationandTraceabilityFinal.pdf. |access-date=17 March 2017 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=DEFRA, Farm Animal Genetic Resources Committee}}</ref> Pet dogs and cats are sometimes tattooed with a serial number (usually in the ear, or on the inner thigh) via which their owners can be identified. However, the use of a microchip has become an increasingly popular choice and since 2016 is a legal requirement for all 8.5 million pet dogs in the UK.<ref name="UKGov_microchip2016">{{Cite web |title=Compulsory dog microchipping comes into effect |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/compulsory-dog-microchipping-comes-into-effect |access-date=17 March 2017 |publisher=Government Digital Service}}</ref> In Australia, [[desexed]] cats and dogs are marked with a tattoo on the inside of the [[ear]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ear Tattoo Notice 2009 |url=https://www.ava.com.au/siteassets/about-us/divisions--branches/ear-tattoo-notice-2009.pdf |website=Australian Veterinary Association}}</ref>