An apparatus for use in the application of a two-piece identification tag to an animal including a first jaw member (103) to receive and releasably retain a male member of the two-piece tag, a second jaw member (101 ) to receive and releasably retain a female member of the two-piece tag and respective first and second handles (102, 100) which are in pivotable connection one with the other and with the first and second jaw members (103, 101) respectively with movement of the first and second handles (102, 100) driving the first and second jaw members (103, 101) in a direction towards one another to bring the male member of the two-piece tag into engagement with the ear of an animal and with the female member of the two-piece tag second jaw member 101 including an insert (120) which is adapted to be movable relative to said second jaw member (101).
