Cattle Identification (No. 2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

These Regulations implement in part:

• Title 1 of Council Regulation 820/97/EC establishing a system for the identification and registration of bovine animals and regarding the labelling of beef and beef products (O.J. No. L117, 7.5.97, p. 1);

• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2628/97 (laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 820/97 as regards transitional provisions for the start-up period of the system for the identification and registration of bovine animals (O.J. No. L354, 30.12.97, p. 17);

• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2629/97 (laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 820/97 as regards eartags, holding registers and passports in the framework of the system for the identification and registration of bovine animals (O.J. No. L354, 30.12.97, p. 19); and

• Commission Regulation (EC) No. 494/98 (laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No. 820/97 as regards the application of minimum administrative sanctions in the framework of the system for the identification and registration of bovine animals (O.J. No. L60, 28.2.98, p. 78).

Part I of the Regulations contains certain introductory provisions. Part II of the Regulations provides for the enforcement of Article 4 of Regulation 820/97/EC relating to double eartagging of cattle (regulation 3). They specify the form of eartag to be used (regulation 4), prohibit movement from a holding of an animal which is not properly tagged (regulation 5) and make provision for the removal and replacement of eartags (regulation 6). The Regulations also prohibit the alteration of eartags (regulation 7). They provide for tagging in the case of intra-Community trade and imports from third countries (regulations 8 and 9). They contain transitional provisions (regulation 10), place certain duties on market and slaughterhouse operators (regulations 11 and 12) and make provision for changes of eartag numbers (regulation 13).

Part III of the Regulations deals with powers of inspectors and penalties. Breach of regulation 16 (obstruction) is punishable by a fine of level 5 on the standard scale or three months imprisonment for obstruction. For other offences under Part II or III of the Regulations the penalty is:

• on summary conviction, a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or imprisonment not exceeding three months, or both;

• on conviction on indictment, a fine or imprisonment not exceeding two years or to both.