cut dog license tags?

[oddcoins]

What's your take on these two tags (both from Lane County Oregon)? I found 'em both metal detecting years ago. I remember digging the one dated 1968, but I don't remember where I dug the 1971. They are both cut ~ at first I assumed they were hit by a lawnmower, but after looking at them I think maybe they were cut on purpose . . . . maybe? The cut is the same on both tags ~ same shape of cut and in the same area on the tag. Just a coincidence, or a way to cancel the tags?

Any ideas? Has anyone seen this before?