Local Land Services is reminding graziers and their selling agents that all animals must be tagged before sending to saleyards.
The organisation is working to clear misinformation on tagging requirements, which has seen landholders charged for emergency tags at saleyards.
Tags are an essential part of the national livestock identification system (NLIS), which helps protect the Australian agricultural industry from rural crime, animal disease epidemics and chemical residue issues.
All livestock must be identified with an NLIS-accredited device before being moved off a property, said Local Land Services Biosecurity Officer Aaron Wood.
“The requirements are clear, however we are still seeing landholders wearing the extra cost of emergency tags and putting themselves at risk of regulatory action,” Mr Wood said.
“Farmers should check all sheep, cattle and goats before loading and replace any missing tags.”
There are penalties for allowing stock without NLIS identification to leave a property.
Under section 25 of the Biosecurity Act 2015, an ‘offence of failure to comply with mandatory measures’ carries a maximum penalty of $220,000 for individuals and $440,000 for a corporation.
Permits to move unidentified stock can be arranged if sufficient notice is given, and when deemed necessary by an authorised officer from Local Land Services.
To find out more about tagging and the NLIS, contact your Local Land Services office or visit www.nlis.com.au