Eartags and tattoos6.

(1)

An eartag must be—

(a)

legible during the pig's lifetime;

(b)

made of either metal or plastic or a combination of metal and plastic;

(c)

tamper-resistant;

(d)

incapable of re-use;

(e)

sufficiently heat-resistant that neither the eartag nor the information printed or stamped on it can be damaged by the processing of the carcase following slaughter; and

(f)

designed to remain attached to the pig without harming it.

(2)

A tattoo must be applied either by tattoo forceps, in which case it must be on an ear, or by slap-marking equipment, in which case it must be on a shoulder.

(3)

As an alternative to applying a tattoo by the methods referred to in paragraph (2), a keeper may apply a tattoo to a shoulder by means of equipment which uses compressed air to drive the tattooing pins into the skin of the pig.

(4)

A keeper may mark a pig with any further information, or add further information to the eartag or tattoo provided that the further information is clearly distinguished from the information required under this Order.