Gildernew discusses tagging with goat keepers

Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has met representatives of the NI Goat Club.

The Minister met representatives to listen to their concerns about the welfare impact of tagging and to discuss the options for identifying goats.

Speaking after the meeting the Minister said: “I was keen to hear the views of keepers on the options for identifying goats.

“Animal welfare concerns should always remain paramount, particularly with regard to which goat identification method to use. I want to remind keepers to carefully consider which is the most appropriate type of tag or other identification device to use in relation to their stock. Good bio-security precautions are also essential when applying tags to guard against infection.”

She added: “I’ve listened carefully today to the Goat Club’s concerns and have highlighted that the new identification and movement system will be an asset to the local industry. These benefits cover a range of areas but the significant benefit of the new system is that it will make it easier to trace animal movements in a serious disease outbreak situation.”

Goats must have two identifiers bearing the same number before they leave the holding, or by nine months of age, whichever is sooner. They do not have to be identified with an electronic identification (EID) device unless they are being exported. While eartags had to be applied under the old rules, under the rules in place from the beginning of this year, eartags, boluses and pastern tags are allowed.

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