Animal ID plan to charge fee per ‘premesis'

TEXAS - Local cattle raisers may get a head start on animal identification until July.

For now, registration for an individual “premises” is free. But starting July 1, 2006, there may be a charge.

A premises identification charge of $20 has been proposed by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) recently. There will not be a charge per head, as was incorrectly reported in Thursday's Register.

According to Wayne Becker, Cooke County Extension Agent, many cattle associations fought for a reasonable and affordable plan over the last year.

“We will be forthcoming with information as it is made available to us,” Becker said.

The $20 fee would be for each “premises” where animals for agricultural production, transport or sale are kept.

According to the TAHC Web site, “On July 1, 2006, premises registration will be compulsory in Texas. All persons who own, manage or are caretakers for locations where livestock, exotic livestock, poultry, or exotic poultry are handled must register their premises with the TAHC and submit the $20 two-year fee. Renewal and fee payment will be required every 24 months thereafter (at $10 per premises).”

Matt Brockman, executive vice president of the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association said in an interview this morning there has never been official discussion of a per head identification charge.

“It's been $20 per premises from the beginning,” he said.

Kenny Edgar, program coordinator for the animal ID program said it is common for misinformation to be spread.

“Coffee shop talk is pretty common. I get called all the time that people have to start tagging tomorrow,” he said.

Brockman said the TAHC's proposal is an attempt to comply with a nationwide push for a national system of animal identification.

Source: Gainesville Daily Register