Eartags and tattoos
6
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.