A penalty regime similar to speeding fines is being considered for breaches of cattle tagging rules.

Proposals from the Department of Agriculture could result in livestock farmers receiving fixed penalty notices of €250 where they are deemed to have seriously breached animal tagging and registration rules.

The fixed-notice regime, if introduced, will replace the current system whereby penalties are levied on farmers’ Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements under cross-compliance.

The proposed changes to the tagging regime were discussed this week by Department officials and representatives of the main farm organisations.

'Serious'

The €250 fines proposed by the Department will be imposed where breaches of the regulations are deemed to be “serious and warrant the issue of such a notice”.

Failure to pay the fines could result in a court appearance for the farmer and an increased risk of further inspections, the farm organisations have been told.

Under the new CAP, which comes into force in January 2023, livestock identification and registration is no longer included in cross-compliance inspections.

However, farmers must still comply with EU animal traceability rules and inspections on tagging and registrations will continue.