If you keep sheep or goats in the Island, you are required by the Sheep and Goats Identification Order 2000 to mark them before they leave their holding of birth or residence with their sheep flock or goat herd mark (individual identification numbers are not required but we recommend when purchasing tags they also have sequential individual numbers). This has been compulsory since 1 January 2001.

There are two approved methods of marking - ear tagging or tattooing. The legislation does not specify which ear should be used for tagging.

Although the legislation does not specify where a tattoo should be placed, we strongly recommend that an ear is used unless there are explicit reasons why not. If an ear is not used the keeper should try to ensure that the tattoo is in a visible place.

The Marking System

The ear tag for animals born on the holding of birth on or after 1 January 2001 must be coloured yellow and consist of the letters “UK” followed by the new numeric flock or herd mark of the holding of birth. The eartag for animals born before 1st January 2001 must be coloured green consist of the letters “UK” followed by the new numeric flock or herd mark of the holding of residence. The flock/herd mark will consist of six numbers. The tag must be printed or stamped with the letters and numbers, not hand written.

If you choose to tattoo, the tattoo must show the flock or herd mark of the holding of birth. The tattoo does not need to include “UK”. You can include additional information on your compulsory ear tag or tattoo, if you so wish, provided that this does not make identification of the flock/herd mark difficult. Tattooing can only be carried out in those animals born on or after the 1st January 2001.

Since the 1 January 2001, animals being exported must be marked with a yellow or green eartag (depending on the date of birth in accordance with paragraph 6) indicating the holding of residence or birth and a unique identification number.

You must maintain all ear tags and tattoos so that they can be clearly read. If an ear tag is lost or becomes illegible, or if the tattoo becomes illegible, it must be replaced. Provided you know what the original mark on the tag was you may replace it with that mark. If you prefer you may use the mark of the holding which the animal currently resides on. If you choose this option you must cross reference the new mark with the old mark in your farm register.

If the original holding mark is not known only for animals born after 1st January 2001, the animal must be identified by a red ‘R’ tag or tattoo of the current holding mark followed by the letter ‘R’. These animals cannot be exported. Animals prior to the 1st January 2001, which lose a green tag can have that tag replaced with another green indicating the holding of residence at that time.

A list of known ear tag manufacturers is at Appendix A. This is not an exhaustive list and there may be other manufacturers known to you who can supply ear tags. If you have difficulty in finding suppliers of tags, agricultural merchants who are members of the Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) usually handle these items. AHDA members are listed on the AHDA website at www.ahda.org.uk. Make sure you order your supply of ear tags well in advance of needing them.

Since 1 January 2001 you must keep records of the movements of sheep and goats and movement documents must accompany animals during transit. Total numbers of sheep/goats moved, their flock/herd marks or individual ear tag numbers, dates, purchaser and destinations must be recorded in movement documents and movement books. The movement records must be retained for six years.