Removal of ear tags
12. Save in accordance with an authority issued by a veterinary inspector, it shall not be lawful for any person—
(a)to remove any ear tag from a bovine animal; or
(b)to replace an ear tag attached to an animal otherwise than in replacement of one which has become illegible or which has been lost,
other (in either case) than an ear tag which has been attached to the animal in accordance with article 11(2).