A Marlborough livestock agent has been convicted for illegally tagging cows.
The Animal Health Board (AHB) said the conviction of Richard John May, 66, of Seddon served as a warning that the illegal tagging of cattle would not be tolerated.
The senior livestock agent admitted two breaches of the Biosecurity Act after he "helped out a mate" by attaching three tags to a friend's animals at the Blenheim public saleyard.
The tags belonged to other farmers.
May was convicted on two charges and fined $750. He could have faced a fine of up to $50,000 and/or 12 months in jail.
