Mandatory tagging in preserves

I'm going to an animal industry board meeting this afternoon regarding mandatory animal identification in livestock and was wondering if anyone has any info on this being challenged by the Amish whos beliefs are against the mandatory tagging of livestock? I'm representing the SD elk breeders. Does ohio require preserve deer to be tagged. Thanks for any info that I could be informed with going into this meeting. I know most cattle guys are against anything mandatory. Thanks for any info

Cody Warne

SD Elk Breeders

The reason I ask is I know of one operation who highlights "no tags" in the advertising? I know most states or maybe all require 2 forms of ID. Maybe they use TB tags instead of the plastic tags??

Thanks

I agree, microchips are the way to go. We are required to have 2 forms of ID on EVERY animal, one of which is a numbered ear tag or button EVEN in a preserve. This was a rule that was designed by our Game Fish & Parks 15 years ago when the first CWD animals were popping up in our state in some private elk herds. They were pushing these rules to our Animal Industry Board to try and discourage private deer and elk farming all together. It worked, allot quit. Some time ago someone told me that the mandatory tags was challenged by some Amish because of religious beliefs in Ohio I believe and that's why they don't need to have tags??? Is this true or not? I obviously know they do to cross state lines and be able to be traced when moved. I was just wondering about just how other states are with the ID's on preserves.


Thanks for any info


Cody