If the government endorse and decide to act on th recommendations of the Farm Animal Welfare Council report on Docking and Castration (and I've no doubt they will), how on earth can DEFRA justify ear tagging either single or double with all it's welfare issues? What is the difference ? I used a new tag manufacturer this year and have had more ripped ears and infections than I ever want to see again. I'm ashamed of the state of my animals ears and its a constant source of worry with the fly strike season in full swing. Why doesn't this draw comments from the FAWC?

Hear, hear!

Another procedure that could well be done away with on the farm is belly shearing. Stressful to man and beast and time consuming. It would be far easier to do it at the abattoir when the animal is dead, but no, we have to bear the brunt of it. On very rare occasions I have gained a few pence more at market, but usually there is no difference