Sheep tags rules introduction delay
Sheep tags rules introduction delay
THE government has announced it will delay enforcing new rules on compulsory sheep tagging until January 2001 to give farmers enough time to comply.
After a lengthy consultation period, MAFF has announced that the need to tag or tattoo all animals before they leave their holding of birth will only take effect from Jan 1 2001. Technically, the regulations should apply from Sept 1 2000.
Junior farm minister Joyce Quin said: "Given the need to ensure the whole industry has enough time to order and be supplied with the appropriate tags, we have decided that the tagging and tattooing requirements of the new legislation will not take effect until Jan 1 2001."
Chris Lloyd speaking on behalf of the National Sheep Association said MAFF appeared to have listened to the concerns of the industry.
Producers were not keen to change but it was vital the industry addressed the identification issue to protect the UKs export market. Last year around 40% of the sheep produced in the UK were exported, he said.
"These rules are as workable for the industry as we hoped they could have been," he added.
MAFF will be writing to producers shortly with full details of the new rules.