25 FEBRUARY 2021

ICSA sheep chair Sean McNamara has said the requirement to tag both ears on newborn lambs sold through marts is unwarranted and must be abolished. “There is no logic to this requirement; it causes enormous stress to the lambs themselves, and it does nothing to enhance traceability,” he said.

“ICSA is calling for lambs up to the age of six weeks to be exempt from this requirement, whether they are being sold through the mart or to other farms. Lambs at this age are still with the breeding ewe, and as such, the ewe tag should suffice for her offspring for this six-week period.”

“Small lambs should not be subjected to this totally unnecessary burden for no reason. It is an absurd requirement that has no benefit. This is an animal welfare issue and sheep farmers are completely justified in looking for this to be changed.”

ENDS