Farmers are being advised by Animal and Plant Health Association (APHA) to not remove brisket or dewlap tags, despite the fact that use of them is now illegal. Removal can cause pain and stress to the animal.

Using the tags is a breach of welfare rules, which could land farmers with a penalty. However, the Scottish Government has stated that they are currently considering the cross-compliance implications for farmers who breach the tagging rule.

Although brisket or dewlap tags have been available in the UK, using them is an illegal “mutilation” under animal-welfare-related legislation.

The welfare legislation lists a number of permitted mutilations – for instance, ear tagging, nose-ringing, castration, the removal of supernumerary teats – but inserting tags in sensitive tissue (other than the ear) is not included.

Previous requests by industry representatives for dewlap tags to be added to the permitted mutilations list have been rejected by SG animal welfare colleagues.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our advice to farmers and crofters is, dewlap tags are an illegal form of animal identification. APHA recommends against removing any dewlap tags that have already been inserted, to minimise any additional pain and distress. The cross-compliance implications of using dewlap tags are being considered.”

Elliot Harrison from Rothbury in Northumberland, who sold brisket tags said: “I estimate around 30,000 of these tags are in use in the UK and Ireland. I wasn’t aware they were illegal until March this year.”