Call for new bovine tagging system

THE numbers of new and replacement bovine animal ear tags issued last year highlights the need for a new system of identification, according to Cavan-Monaghan Fine Gael TD Seymour Crawford.

“The fact that almost 325,000 single tags and more than 96,000 full replacement tags had to be issued in 2007 continues to be a concern of mine,” he said.

Mr Crawford said the situation should also concern the Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan, but he claimed she declares herself satisfied with a system that has deteriorated in comparison to 2006 figures.