A FARMER who failed to comply with legislation introduced to combat the risks of BSE has been fined thousands of pounds.
Eric Gilbard, aged 46, of Millennium Barton, Skilgate, pleaded guilty at Taunton Magistrates' Court to supplying an animal to an abattoir with a false ear tag and no double tagging four others. He was fined £5,500 and ordered to pay Somerset County Council costs of £1,700.
Now the county council is urging all farmers to ensure their cattle are correctly identified with an approved ear tag applied to each ear.
Animals over 30 months old are ineligible to be used for human food and have to be taken out of the food chain.
Investigations at slaughterhouses and cattle markets have revealed some farmers are not bothering to apply a secondary tag, particularly in beef cattle.
Almost 100 farmers, in recent months, have supplied beef cattle to the abbatoir in Langport with only one tag. Some have illegally sent the secondary tags to the slaughter house in a plastic bag.
Cllr Claire Gordon, the council's portfolio holder for animal health and welfare, said: "The accidental loss of a tag from an animal with only one tag can mean the loss of the true identity of the animal. If two or more beasts lose their single tag, animals may be re-identified incorrectly and be matched with the wrong passport.
"The legislation is there to protect the consumer from the risk of BSE and it is critical farmers follow the rules.
"I am pleased magistrates are equally concerned and gave an appropriate penalty.
"My officers will consider taking formal action against any farmer who contravenes this important public health legislation."