Mandatory tagging of cattle came into effect July 1.
“Producers have had a year and a half to get used to the program and
start tagging their animals,” said Gordon Mitchell of the Canadian
Cattle Identification Agency in Calgary.
Tagging is mandatory for all cattle and bison.
All animals leaving their herd of origin must carry an approved agency
tag. Failure to have the proper individual identification could result
in fines ranging from $500 to $4,000, depending on the nature of the
offence. Removing a tag from an animal before slaughter could result in
a $4,000 penalty.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for enforcement.
Inspectors may check auction yards, truckers or any other part of the
marketing chain, said Mitchell.
If producers do not have proper facilities to attach tags, numerous
tagging stations have been approved, including some at auction markets.
