Calls are being made for clarity on the legality of the use of brisket tags in Scotland. Livestock Health Scotland chair Nigel Miller is calling on the Scottish Government to review the situation to ensure that the rules are based on welfare evidence.

“Farmers have been buying these tags in good faith, and they appear to be causing no welfare issues. We now have a situation where these farmers could be penalised for using these tags.

“It could be a case that the original legislation was written before these tags were popular, so failed to take account of them,” Miller said.

“It is unreasonable to expect a farmer to have to check every piece of legislation when purchasing tags. Hill units, where tag-loss rates are high, make the brisket tag a popular option.

“Draconian penalties for missing tags at inspection means that farmers are keen to ensure cattle are identifiable.

“We are urging the Government to act swiftly. Farmers should pause before removing these tags and wait for the Government’s response to our request.

“Removal of these tags may cause a welfare issue particularly during summer, with higher fly activity. We need clear guidance from the Government on how farmers should proceed,” stressed Miller.

The Farmers Journal Scotland contacted an outlet for Boc Loc brisket tags in the UK. The manager, Elliot Harrison, said he understands that the decision to make them illegal was “reversed on 16 June and farmers currently using the tags do not have to remove them”. However, he was keen to get the ban on sales lifted also.

“The tags were tested on my farm 20 years ago and found to comply with animal welfare standards,” said Harrison.

Update

The brisket or dewlap tags attach through the flap of skin in front of the brisket. These tags have been available for purchase in Scotland for a number of years.

Their popularity is often put down to a low loss rate and easy readability. The Farmers Journal Scotland understands that up to 400 farmers could be using the tags in Scotland.

Currently they are legally classed as a mutilation under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Therefore using the brisket/dewlap tag is illegal. If farms are found to be using these tags at an inspection it will be considered a rectifiable breach and could incur a penalty.