Several livestock farmers and butchers took to the streets of Christiana in Manchester this morning to register their frustration with the livestock tagging process, which they say is adversely impacting their livelihood.

The protest ended upon the intervention of the police.

In August, the police reminded individuals selling livestock, particularly cattle to ensure that the animals are tagged, under the national animal identification and traceability system.

Designed to combat praedial larceny, the system incorporates information on an animal’s identity, ownership, geographical location and movement activity.

It involves tagging animals with unique identifiers and issuing a passport, which enables farmers to properly track and detect their animal, if stolen.

It is illegal to buy, sell, or slaughter cattle that are not affixed with ear tags.

However, many livestock farmers and their customers say while they are not against the system, it is inefficient.

Those who demonstrated this morning said for the system to work, more persons are needed to conduct tagging.

Another farmer accused the police of not being lenient.

He said despite having other important documents, including a passport, for an animal he purchased, he was charged for being unable to show a receipt.

And, another man, who buys and sells cattle, said he usually purchases at least 10 of the animals, every week.

He said because of the inefficiency of the tagging system, he was unable to purchase any cattle today.

Echoing the sentiments of his colleagues, the man urged the police to be lenient.

He also called on the relevant authorities to intervene.