Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission
20.6.2013
According to Article 27 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport[1] ‘The competent authorities shall check that the requirements of this regulation have been complied with, by carrying out non-discriminatory inspections […]. The proportion of inspections shall be increased where it is established that the provisions of this regulation have been disregarded’.
In addition, according to Article 26 of Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 on official controls[2] ‘Member States shall ensure that adequate financial resources are available to provide the necessary staff and other resources for official controls by whatever means considered appropriate, including through general taxation or by establishing fees or charges’.
Hence, Member States are legally obliged to increase the number of inspections if necessary and to ensure adequate financial resources for official controls by whatever means considered necessary.
A Commission Implementing Decision adopted on 16 April 2013 establishes the information to be included in Member State annual reports on non-discriminatory inspections of animal transport and the relative model form which will permit a proper comparison of the outcome of such inspections in a harmonised manner across the Union. This decision shall apply from 1 January 2015.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations; OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.
- [2] Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of compliance with feed and food law, animal health and animal welfare rule OJ L 165, 30.4.2004.
OJ C 80 E, 19/03/2014