Crawford warns of tag loss

More than one animal in seven lost at least one of its bovine identification ear tags issued during 2003, says Fine Gael Deputy Spokesperson on Agriculture, Seymour Crawford TD.

“Loss of tags is often used by Department officials to curtail European payments, which I believe is extremely unfair, taking into account this deeply unsatisfactory system. It is long past time that a foolproof system such as an implant was used, not only to simplify the reading of animals, but also to ensure that the one identity was available from birth to slaughter or death,” said Mr Crawford.