The Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2019

Welsh Statutory Instruments

2019 No. 57 (W. 20)

Animals, Wales

The Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2019

Made

15 January 2019

Laid before the National Assembly for Wales

17 January 2019

Coming into force in accordance with regulation 1

The Welsh Ministers are designated(1) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972(2) (“the 1972 Act”) in relation to the common agricultural policy of the European Union.

The Welsh Ministers make these Regulations in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(2) of, and paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 to, the 1972 Act(3).

These Regulations make provision for a purpose mentioned in section 2(2) of the 1972 Act and it appears to the Welsh Ministers that it is expedient for references in these Regulations to provisions of European Union instruments to be construed as references to those provisions as amended from time to time.

PART 1 E+W Introductory

Title, commencement and application E+W

1.—(1) The title of these Regulations is the Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2019 and, except for regulation 13(3)(c), these Regulations come into force on 12 February 2019.

(2) Regulation 13(3)(c) comes into force on 12 February 2021.

(3) These Regulations apply in relation to Wales.

Commencement Information

I1 Reg. 1 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Interpretation E+W

2.  In these Regulations—

“Article” (“Erthygl”) means an Article of the EU Regulation;

“compliance notice” (“hysbysiad cydymffurfio”) has the meaning given in regulation 37;

“designated area” (“ardal ddynodedig”) means an area described as such in regulation 16;

“enforcement costs” (“costau gorfodi”) means the costs which a person is required to pay under an enforcement costs recovery notice;

“enforcement costs recovery notice” (“hysbysiad adennill costau gorfodi”) has the meaning given in regulation 40;

“enforcing authority” (“awdurdod gorfodi”) means a local authority falling within regulation 31;

“equine” (“ceffyl”) means a wild, semi-wild or domesticated soliped within the genus Equus of the family Equidae and their crosses;

“EU Regulation” (“Rheoliad yr UE”) means Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 of 17 February 2015(4) laying down rules pursuant to Council Directives 90/427/EEC(5) and 2009/156/EC(6) as regards the methods for the identification of equidae, as amended from time to time;

“fixed monetary penalty” (“cosb ariannol benodedig”) has the meaning given in regulation 39;

“fixed monetary penalty notice” (“hysbysiad cosb ariannol benodedig”) has the meaning given in regulation 39;

“ID” (“dogfen adnabod”) means the identification document for the identification of an equine in accordance with the EU Regulation and these Regulations;

“inspector” (“arolygydd”) means a person appointed as such under regulation 32 or under the Animal Health Act 1981(7);

“issuing body” (“corff dyroddi”) means an issuing body as referred to in Article 5(1);

“keeper” (“ceidwad”) has the meaning given in Article 2;

“non-compliance penalty” (“cosb am beidio â chydymffurfio”) has the meaning given in regulation 38;

“non-compliance penalty notice” (“hysbysiad cosb am beidio â chydymffurfio”) has the meaning given in regulation 38;

“offender” (“troseddwr”) has the meaning given in regulation 35(1);

“official veterinarian” (“milfeddyg swyddogol”) has the meaning given in Article 2;

“owner” (“perchennog”) has the meaning given in Article 2;

“responsible person” (“person cyfrifol”) means—

(a)

the owner; or

(b)

if the owner does not have primary day-to-day responsibility for the equine concerned, the keeper;

“transponder” (“trawsatebydd”) has the meaning given in Article 2;

“wild or semi-wild equine” (“ceffyl gwyllt neu led-wyllt”) means an equine falling within regulation 16(1);

“within 24 hours” (“o fewn 24 awr”) means before the end of the period of 24 hours beginning with the time at which—

(a)

for the purposes of regulation 15(1)(a), the information is created or amended; or

(b)

for the purposes of regulation 15(1)(b), the issuing body receives the Welsh Ministers’ request,

but not including any time that is not part of a working day; and for this purpose “working day” (“diwrnod gwaith”) means a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a day which is a bank holiday within the meaning of the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971(8).

Commencement Information

I2 Reg. 2 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 2 E+W Administrative and procedural provisions and requirements

Competent authority and zootechnical authority for the purposes of the EU Regulation E+W

3.  The Welsh Ministers are the competent authority and the zootechnical authority for the purposes of the EU Regulation.

Commencement Information

I3 Reg. 3 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Transfer of ownership of equines E+W

4.—(1) A person who transfers the ownership of an equine to another person (the “transferee”) must provide that equine’s ID to the transferee at the time of the transfer.

(2) Before the end of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the transfer took effect, the transferee must—

(a) notify the issuing body of—

(i) the transfer of ownership; and

(ii) the transferee’s name, address and contact details; and

(b) send the ID for the equine concerned to the issuing body.

Commencement Information

I4 Reg. 4 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Identification of equines E+W

5.  A person must not keep an equine unless it is identified in accordance with the EU Regulation and these Regulations.

Commencement Information

I5 Reg. 5 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Applications for IDs E+W

6.—(1) For the purposes of Articles 3(3) and 11(2), the owner of an equine [F1 born in a member State or in the United Kingdom] and located on a holding in Wales must ensure that an application for an ID for that equine is received by an issuing body no later than 30 days prior to the final date for issuing an ID as set out in paragraph (2).

(2) The final date is the later of—

(a) 31 December in the calendar year of the equine’s birth; or

(b) 6 months following the date of the equine’s birth.

(3) An application must be accompanied by such fee specified by the issuing body to which it is submitted.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 6(1) substituted (W.) (31.12.2020) by The Equine Identification (Wales) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/250), regs. 1(1), 2(2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I6 Reg. 6 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Completion of existing IDs for equines imported into the [F2 Great Britain from a country other than Northern Ireland or a member State] E+W

7.  The keeper must provide to the issuing body all information necessary to allow the body to complete an existing ID for the purposes of Article 15(2), subject to Article 15(3), so that it complies with the requirements of Article 7(2).

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in reg. 7 heading substituted (W.) (31.12.2020) by The Equine Identification (Wales) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/250), regs. 1(1), 2(3) (as amended by S.I. 2020/1240, regs. 1(2), 2(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I7 Reg. 7 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Modification of identity details in IDs E+W

8.  If the [F3 owner] believes that any identity details contained in the equine’s ID require modification or updating, whether pursuant to Article 27(1) or otherwise, the owner must ask the issuing body to modify or update the ID.

Textual Amendments

F3 Word in reg. 8 substituted (28.3.2019) by The Equine Identification (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/614), regs. 1(2), 2

Commencement Information

I8 Reg. 8 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Format and content of IDs E+W

9.—(1) An issuing body—

(a) must ensure that any stock of pre-printed blank IDs (“pre-printed blank stock”) which it holds or maintains;

(b) must ensure that any ID which it issues from such pre-printed blank stock; and

(c) may ensure that ID which it issues otherwise than from pre-printed blank stock,

complies with paragraph (2).

(2) For the purpose of paragraph (1), the ID or the pre-printed blank stock must, as a minimum, contain a serial number that is printed on each of the pages which form sections I to III of the ID (as set out in Annex I to the EU Regulation).

(3) An issuing body must ensure that all IDs and pre-printed blank stock are securely managed on its premises.

(4) If an ID or any pre-printed blank stock is lost, missing or stolen, the issuing body concerned must—

(a) notify the Welsh Ministers as soon as possible of the loss, misplacement or theft; and

(b) with the notification mentioned in sub-paragraph (a), inform the Welsh Ministers of—

(i) the circumstances of the loss, misplacement or theft; and

(ii) the serial numbers for the ID or the pre-printed blank stock concerned.

(5) For the purposes of Article 9(1)(c), as read with, and subject to, Article 10(3), the issuing body concerned must ensure that section IV (details of ownership) of an ID is completed before the ID is issued under Article 9.

(6) An ID or any part of it may be in an additional language.

Commencement Information

I9 Reg. 9 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Verification of IDs E+W

10.  Upon request from the Welsh Ministers, an issuing body must verify whether an ID that has been, or which appears to have been, issued by it is unique, genuine and authentic.

Commencement Information

I10 Reg. 10 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Requirement to provide ID to a veterinary surgeon treating an equine E+W

11.—(1) This regulation applies if a veterinary surgeon is treating an equine.

(2) Upon reasonable request from the veterinary surgeon, the responsible person must provide the equine’s ID to the veterinary surgeon without delay.

Commencement Information

I11 Reg. 11 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Slaughter, death or loss of an equine E+W

12.—(1) Where, in accordance with Article 34(1)(c)(ii), an official veterinarian, or a person acting under the supervision of an official veterinarian, is required to return an invalidated ID to the issuing body, the official veterinarian, or the person acting under his or her supervision, must return that ID to the issuing body as soon as is reasonably practicable.

(2) Where, in accordance with Article 35(1), a keeper is required to return an ID to the issuing body, the keeper must return that ID to the issuing body within a period of 30 days of the death or loss of the equine.

Commencement Information

I12 Reg. 12 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Transponders E+W

13.—(1) For the purposes of Article 18(3), the minimum qualification required for the person entrusted with the implantation of a transponder is membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, and in this regulation that person is referred to as a “veterinary surgeon”.

(2) A veterinary surgeon who implants a transponder into an equine must take the measures set out in Articles 16 and 17(1) on behalf of an issuing body.

(3) For the purposes of Article 18(5), the responsible person must arrange for a veterinary surgeon to implant a transponder into an equine that is deemed to be identified in accordance with Articles 4(2) or 43(1) if—

(a) a previously implanted and recorded transponder ceases to function;

(b) the equine arrives in Wales having been subject to an alternative method of identity verification authorised by [F4 a member State or Northern Ireland] under Article 21; or

(c) the equine—

(i) does not fall within sub-paragraphs (a) or (b);

(ii) has not already had a transponder implanted in compliance with the requirements or specifications as to transponders set out in the EU Regulation or Commission Regulation (EC) No 504/2008(9) of 6 June 2008 implementing Council Directives 90/426/EEC and 90/427/EEC as regards methods for the identification of equidae; and

(iii) was born on or before 30 June 2009.

(4) A veterinary surgeon who implants a transponder into an equine must ensure that the transponder displays a code that is unique to the transponder.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words in reg. 13(3)(b) substituted (W.) (31.12.2020) by The Equine Identification (Wales) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/250), regs. 1(1), 2(4) (as substituted by S.I. 2020/1240, regs. 1(2), 2(3)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I13 Reg. 13(1)(2)(3)(a)(b)(4) in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

I14 Reg. 13(3)(c) in force at 12.2.2021, see reg. 1(2)

Smart cards E+W

14.—(1) An equine in respect of which an ID has been issued may be moved or transported within Wales, or into Wales from other parts of the United Kingdom, without being accompanied by its ID if it is accompanied by a smart card issued in accordance with Article 25.

(2) The Welsh Ministers may issue guidance about the format of smart cards.

(3) In this regulation, “smart card” has the meaning given in Article 2.

Commencement Information

I15 Reg. 14 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Databases E+W

15.—(1) An issuing body must provide the following information to the central database—

(a) within 24 hours of the information being created or amended by the body—

(i) the identification details described in Article 27(1);

(ii) the information recorded in the issuing body’s database under Article 38(1);

(b) within 24 hours of a request from the Welsh Ministers, such other information (not falling within sub-paragraph (a)) as the Welsh Ministers may reasonably request in relation to the issuing of any ID by the issuing body or the carrying out by the issuing body of its functions under these Regulations or the EU Regulation.

(2) Following a request in writing from an issuing body, the Welsh Ministers may extend the time within which the issuing body is to provide the information under paragraph (1) to the central database.

(3) Any extension of time under paragraph (2) must be notified to the issuing body in writing.

(4) For the purposes of Article 40(1), an issuing body must incorporate the information falling within Articles 28(e) and 38(1) into the central database.

(5) The Welsh Ministers may issue guidance to issuing bodies about the central database and how to enter information into it.

(6) The Welsh Ministers may share any data or information held or stored in, or which is to be held or stored in, the central database with the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers and, in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

(7) In this regulation, “central database” means the database established by the Secretary of State in accordance with Article 39.

Commencement Information

I16 Reg. 15 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 3 E+W Equines living under wild or semi-wild conditions

Exceptions in respect of certain wild or semi-wild equines E+W

16.—(1) The derogation in Article 13 applies in relation to equines that are—

(a) identified in the lists kept by the Hill Pony Improvement Societies of Wales ; or

(b) identified in the lists kept by the Cymdeithas Merlod y Carneddau.

(2) For the purposes of Article 13, as read with Article 43(3), the areas (“designated areas”) defined by the Welsh Ministers containing wild or semi-wild equines that do not need to be identified with IDs while they remain within the designated areas are those areas notified by the Welsh Ministers to the Commission on 17 September 2009.

(3) For the purposes of Article 13(1), wild or semi-wild equines transferred under official supervision from one of the lists described in paragraph (1) to the other list described in paragraph (1) do not need to be identified with IDs.

(4) Wild or semi-wild equines living on a designated area must be identified with an ID when they are brought into domestic use.

Commencement Information

I17 Reg. 16 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Requirement for ID and transponder for wild or semi-wild equines treated with veterinary medicinal products E+W

17.  If a wild or semi-wild equine without an ID in a designated area is treated with any veterinary medicinal product, the responsible person must ensure that the equine has an ID and is implanted with a transponder—

(a) in accordance with the EU Regulation; and

(b) within 30 days of the treatment.

Commencement Information

I18 Reg. 17 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Wild and semi-wild equines: requirement for ID for movement from designated area E+W

18.  Subject to regulation 19, the responsible person may not move a wild or semi-wild equine without an ID out of a designated area.

Commencement Information

I19 Reg. 18 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Exception to requirement for ID: wild or semi-wild equines moved for welfare reasons or for slaughter E+W

19.—(1) The responsible person may move a wild or semi-wild equine out of a designated area without an ID if—

(a) the equine is being moved out of the designated area temporarily and for welfare reasons; or

(b) the equine—

(i) is aged under 12 months and has visible dental stars of the temporary lateral incisors;

(ii) is being moved directly from the designated area in which it was born to a place for slaughter (whether or not for the purpose of human consumption);

(iii) has not previously been treated with any veterinary medicinal product; and

(iv) has a sticker issued by an issuing body attached to it before it leaves the designated area, and the sticker must be marked with a unique identification number and the date on which it was attached to the equine.

(2) The responsible person must ensure that an equine falling within paragraph (1)(b) is slaughtered within 7 days of the date shown on the sticker.

Commencement Information

I20 Reg. 19 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Requirements for wild or semi-wild equines aged 12 months or over moved for slaughter E+W

20.—(1) This regulation applies to a wild or semi-wild equine that is—

(a) aged 12 months or over; and

(b) being moved from a designated area to a place for slaughter (whether or not for the purpose of human consumption).

(2) The responsible person must ensure that the equine has (in addition to an ID) a sticker issued by an issuing body attached to it before it leaves the designated area, and the sticker must be marked with a unique identification number and the date on which it was attached to the equine.

(3) The responsible person must ensure that an equine falling within paragraph (1) is slaughtered within 7 days of the date shown on the sticker.

Commencement Information

I21 Reg. 20 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Requirements for wild or semi-wild equines moved other than for slaughter E+W

21.—(1) This regulation applies to a wild or semi-wild equine that is—

(a) of any age; and

(b) being moved from a designated area to another place (the “holding destination”) for a purpose other than for slaughter.

(2) The responsible person must ensure that the equine has (in addition to an ID) a sticker issued by an issuing body attached to it before it leaves the designated area, and the sticker must be marked with a unique identification number and the date on which it was attached to the equine.

(3) The responsible person must ensure that an equine falling within paragraph (1) reaches its holding destination within 7 days of the date shown on the sticker.

(4) The responsible person must ensure that a transponder is implanted into the equine before the expiry of the period of 30 days beginning with the day on which the equine arrives at the holding destination.

(5) Unless temporarily or for welfare reasons, the responsible person must ensure that the equine is not moved out of the holding destination until the transponder has been implanted.

Commencement Information

I22 Reg. 21 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 4 E+W Criminal offences

General E+W

22.—(1) An owner is guilty of an offence if the owner breaches a prohibition, or fails to comply with a requirement, which applies to an owner (including an owner as a responsible person) in Parts 2 and 3 or in the EU Regulation.

(2) A keeper is guilty of an offence if the keeper breaches a prohibition, or fails to comply with a requirement, which applies to a keeper (including a keeper as a responsible person) in Parts 2 and 3 or in the EU Regulation.

(3) An issuing body is guilty of an offence if the issuing body breaches a prohibition, or fails to comply with a requirement, which applies to an issuing body in Parts 2 and 3 or in the EU Regulation.

(4) Subject to paragraph (5), a veterinary surgeon is guilty of an offence if the veterinary surgeon breaches a prohibition, or fails to comply with a requirement, which applies to a veterinary surgeon in Parts 2 and 3 or in the EU Regulation.

(5) A veterinary surgeon is not guilty of any offence for failing to enter information into, or failing to update, an ID if the veterinary surgeon has asked the responsible person for the ID for that purpose and the responsible person does not provide, or has not provided, the ID to the veterinary surgeon.

Commencement Information

I23 Reg. 22 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Withholding ID from the responsible person E+W

23.  A person is guilty of an offence if the person, without reasonable excuse, withholds an equine’s ID from the responsible person.

Commencement Information

I24 Reg. 23 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Provision of false or misleading information E+W

24.  A person is guilty of an offence if the person makes a statement or provides information that is false or misleading—

(a) when applying for an ID to be issued or varied;

(b) in relation to the entering of information into an ID or the registration of an ID; or

(c) to any person acting in relation to the enforcement of these Regulations or the EU Regulation.

Commencement Information

I25 Reg. 24 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Possession of a forged ID E+W

25.—(1) A person is guilty of an offence if the person is in possession of an ID knowing it to be a forgery.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if the person, at the time concerned, holds a forged ID simply for the purpose of destroying it or providing it to an enforcing authority, the police or the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I26 Reg. 25 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Improper destruction, defacement or alteration, etc E+W

26.  A person is guilty of an offence if the person, otherwise than in accordance with any entitlement, obligation or requirement to do so in these Regulations or the EU Regulation—

(a) destroys or defaces an ID;

(b) alters any entry in an ID; or

(c) defaces, obliterates or removes any mark applied under regulation 33, except under the written authority of an inspector.

Commencement Information

I27 Reg. 26 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Offences relating to implantation of transponder E+W

27.  A person is guilty of an offence if the person knowingly—

(a) implants, or attempts to implant, into an equine, a device which—

(i) is not a genuine transponder; or

(ii) has previously been implanted into, or used for, another animal; or

(b) tampers with, or otherwise alters, a transponder with intent to deceive.

Commencement Information

I28 Reg. 27 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Obstruction E+W

28.  A person is guilty of an offence if the person—

(a) intentionally obstructs an inspector acting in the course of enforcing these Regulations or the EU Regulation;

(b) without reasonable cause, fails to give to an inspector acting in the course of enforcing these Regulations or the EU Regulation any assistance or information that the inspector may reasonably require for that purpose; or

(c) fails to produce a document, record or ID when required to do so to any person acting in the course of enforcing these Regulations or the EU Regulation.

Commencement Information

I29 Reg. 28 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Offences by bodies corporate E+W

29.—(1) Where a body corporate is guilty of an offence under these Regulations, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) any director, manager, secretary or other similar person of the body corporate; or

(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

that person (as well as the body corporate) is also guilty of the offence.

(2) In this regulation “director”, in relation to a body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, means a member of the body corporate.

Commencement Information

I30 Reg. 29 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Offences by partnerships and unincorporated associations E+W

30.—(1) Proceedings for an offence under these Regulations alleged to have been committed by a partnership or an unincorporated association may be brought in the name of the partnership or association.

(2) For the purposes of such proceedings—

(a) rules of court relating to the service of documents are to have effect as if the partnership or association were a body corporate;

(b) section 33 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925(10) and Schedule 3 to the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980(11) apply in relation to the partnership or association as they apply in relation to a body corporate.

(3) A fine imposed on a partnership or association on its conviction for an offence under these Regulations is to be paid out of the funds of the partnership or association.

(4) Where a partnership is guilty of an offence under these Regulations, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a partner, that partner (as well as the partnership) is also guilty of the offence.

(5) For these purposes, “partner” includes a person purporting to act as a partner.

(6) Where an unincorporated association is guilty of an offence under these Regulations, and that offence is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, an officer of the association, that officer (as well as the association) is also guilty of the offence.

(7) For these purposes, “officer” means an officer of the association or a member of its governing body, or a person purporting to act in such capacity.

Commencement Information

I31 Reg. 30 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 5 E+W Enforcement and penalties

Enforcing authorities E+W

31.—(1) These Regulations and the EU Regulation are enforced by the local authority.

(2) The Welsh Ministers may direct, in relation to cases of a particular description or any particular case, that an enforcement duty imposed on the local authority under this regulation must be discharged by the Welsh Ministers and not by the local authority and in such cases, the Welsh Ministers will be the enforcing authority for the purposes of these Regulations.

Commencement Information

I32 Reg. 31 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Appointment of inspectors E+W

32.  The Welsh Ministers or an enforcing authority may appoint a person (an “inspector”) for the purpose of enforcing these Regulations or the EU Regulation.

Commencement Information

I33 Reg. 32 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Inspectors: powers of entry and general powers E+W

33.—(1) An inspector may, on producing a duly authenticated authorisation if required, enter any land, premises (excluding any premises not containing any equine and used only as a dwelling) or property for the purpose of administering and enforcing these Regulations or the EU Regulation; and, for the purposes of this regulation, “premises” includes any vehicle or container.

(2) An inspector may—

(a) require the production of an ID and mark it as necessary;

(b) carry out any inquiries;

(c) have access to, and inspect and copy any documents or records (in whatever form they are held) relevant to these Regulations or the EU Regulation, and remove them to enable them to be copied;

(d) inspect and check the operation of any computer and any associated apparatus or material that is, or that may have been, in use in connection with documents or records; and

(e) mark any equine for identification purposes.

(3) Where an inspector has entered any premises and it is not reasonably practicable to determine whether documents on those premises are relevant to these Regulations or the EU Regulation, the inspector may seize them to ascertain whether or not they are relevant.

[F5 (4) The inspector may be accompanied by such other persons as the inspector considers necessary.]

Textual Amendments

F5 Reg. 33(4) substituted (W.) (31.12.2020) by The Equine Identification (Wales) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/250), regs. 1(1), 2(5); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Commencement Information

I34 Reg. 33 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Criminal penalties E+W

34.  Subject to regulation 35, a person who is guilty of an offence under these Regulations is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine.

Commencement Information

I35 Reg. 34 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Choosing to pursue civil sanctions instead of criminal penalties E+W

35.—(1) An enforcing authority may impose a civil sanction, or a combination of civil sanctions, under Part 6 against a person (an “offender”) if the authority is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the offender is guilty of an offence described in Part 4.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), criminal proceedings against an offender may not be started or continued if an enforcing authority, in respect of the offence—

(a) chooses to apply civil sanctions under paragraph (1); and

(b) serves on the offender—

(i) a compliance notice;

(ii) a non-compliance penalty notice; or

(iii) a fixed monetary penalty notice.

(3) If the offender fails to comply with civil sanctions served under paragraph (2)(b), the enforcing authority may start criminal proceedings.

Commencement Information

I36 Reg. 35 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 6 E+W Civil sanctions

Application E+W

36.  This Part applies if an enforcing authority decides, under regulation 35(1), to impose a civil sanction, or a combination of civil sanctions, on an offender.

Commencement Information

I37 Reg. 36 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Compliance notice E+W

37.—(1) An enforcing authority may, by way of serving a written notice (a “compliance notice”) on the offender, require the offender to take such steps as the authority may specify, within such periods as may be specified, to secure that the act or omission giving rise to the offence does not continue or recur.

(2) A compliance notice may not be served if a fixed monetary penalty notice has been served on the offender for the same act or omission.

Commencement Information

I38 Reg. 37 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Non-compliance penalty notice E+W

38.—(1) If an offender fails to comply with a compliance notice, the enforcing authority may, by way of serving a written notice (a “non-compliance penalty notice”) on the offender, require the offender to pay to the authority such sum (the “non-compliance penalty”) as the authority may specify in respect of that failure to comply.

(2) The enforcing authority may determine—

(a) the amount of the non-compliance penalty, but this must not exceed the amount which corresponds with level 1 on the standard scale; and

(b) whether any discount is offered in relation to early payment and, if so, the amount of any such discount (but see regulation 41(2)).

(3) If the requirements of a compliance notice are met before the payment period specified in a related non-compliance penalty notice expires, liability to pay the non-compliance penalty is discharged.

Commencement Information

I39 Reg. 38 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Fixed monetary penalty notice E+W

39.—(1) An enforcing authority may, by way of serving a written notice (a “fixed monetary penalty notice”) on an offender, require the offender to pay to the authority such sum (the “fixed monetary penalty”) as the authority may specify in relation to the act or omission giving rise to the offence.

(2) A fixed monetary penalty—

(a) may only be imposed if it is not reasonably practicable for the enforcing authority to serve a compliance notice; and

(b) may not be imposed more than once for the same act or omission.

(3) The enforcing authority may determine—

(a) the amount of the fixed monetary penalty, but this must not exceed the amount which corresponds with level 1 on the standard scale; and

(b) whether any discount is offered in relation to early payment and, if so, the amount of any such discount (but see regulation 41(2)).

Commencement Information

I40 Reg. 39 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Enforcement costs recovery notice E+W

40.—(1) An enforcing authority may, by way of serving a written notice (an “enforcement costs recovery notice”) on an offender on whom a compliance notice has been served, require the offender to pay the costs incurred by the authority in relation to the compliance notice up to the time of its service on the offender.

(2) In sub-paragraph (1), the reference to “costs” means reasonably and necessarily incurred—

(a) investigation costs;

(b) administration costs; and

(c) costs of obtaining expert advice, including legal advice.

(3) An enforcing authority must provide a detailed breakdown of the costs specified in an enforcement costs recovery notice if requested to do so by the offender.

Commencement Information

I41 Reg. 40 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Information to be provided in or with a notice E+W

41.—(1) If serving a notice, the enforcing authority must ensure that the notice contains, or is served with, the following information—

(a) the name and address of the offender on whom the notice is served;

(b) the reasons for serving the notice, including the date of the act or omission giving rise to the offence;

(c) information as to the steps that the offender must take in response to the notice, including the amount of any penalty that must be paid and the period within which those steps must be completed or any payment made;

(d) information as to—

(i) the right of appeal;

(ii) the consequences of an appeal, including notification that the notice is suspended pending final determination or withdrawal of any appeal; and

(iii) the consequences of failure to comply with the notice.

(2) If an enforcing authority offers a discount for early payment under regulation 38(2)(b) or 39(3)(b), the authority may not require payment of the full, undiscounted sum described in the notice before the expiry of the period of 28 days beginning with the date on which the notice is served.

(3) In this regulation, “notice” means—

(a) a compliance notice;

(b) a non-compliance penalty notice;

(c) a fixed monetary penalty notice; or

(d) an enforcement costs recovery notice.

Commencement Information

I42 Reg. 41 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Withdrawing and re-issuing a notice E+W

42.—(1) An enforcing authority may, at any time, in writing, withdraw a notice served by the authority under this Part.

(2) Paragraph (3) applies to a notice served on an offender under this Part but which is subsequently withdrawn by the enforcing authority before the offender files an appeal against the decision specified in the notice.

(3) The enforcing authority may serve a further notice on the offender for the failure described in the original notice.

(4) A notice may be withdrawn by an enforcing authority, if the enforcing authority determines that the offence to which the notice relates was not committed or that the notice ought not to have been issued to the person named as the person to whom it was issued.

(5) Where a notice requiring payment of a sum (such sum being specified in the notice) has been withdrawn—

(a) no amount is payable in pursuance of that notice; and

(b) any amount paid in pursuance of that notice must be repaid to the person who paid it.

(6) In this regulation, “notice” has the meaning given in regulation 41(3).

Commencement Information

I43 Reg. 42 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Appeals E+W

43.—(1) A person may appeal against the following decisions of an enforcing authority—

(a) a decision, by the service of a notice under regulation 37, to serve a compliance notice on that person;

(b) a decision, by the service of a notice under regulation 38, to impose a non-compliance penalty on that person;

(c) a decision, by the service of a notice under regulation 39, to impose a fixed monetary penalty on that person;

(d) a decision, by the service of a notice under regulation 40, to require that person to pay enforcement costs.

(2) The grounds for appeal are that—

(a) the decision was based on an error of fact;

(b) the decision was wrong in law or for any other reason;

(c) the decision was unreasonable for any reason.

(3) An appeal under this Part is to the First-tier Tribunal.

(4) An appeal under this regulation suspends the effect of the notice appealed against until the appeal is determined or withdrawn.

(5) On appeal the First-tier Tribunal may cancel, confirm or vary the notice appealed against.

Commencement Information

I44 Reg. 43 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Period within which payment is required and power to recover payments E+W

44.—(1) To the extent that a decision to impose a non-compliance penalty, a fixed monetary penalty, or a decision to recover enforcement costs is upheld on appeal, or if the appeal is withdrawn, the penalty or costs must be paid before the expiry of the period of 28 days (“the period in which payment is required”) beginning with the day on which the appeal is determined or withdrawn.

(2) Following the period in which payment is required, an enforcing authority may recover any non-compliance penalty or fixed monetary penalty imposed under this Part, and any enforcement costs recoverable by the authority under this Part—

(a) as a civil debt; or

(b) on the order of the court, as if payable under a court order.

Commencement Information

I45 Reg. 44 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Receipts E+W

45.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2) and (3), an enforcing authority may retain sums (“receipts”) paid in respect of enforcement notices served under this Part.

(2) The amount which an enforcing authority may retain under paragraph (1) must not exceed reasonable and necessary costs (“costs”) incurred, in relation to enforcement notices, by the authority in discharging its functions under Parts 4 and 5 and this Part.

(3) If receipts exceed costs, the enforcing authority must pay the excess into the Consolidated Fund.

(4) For the purposes of paragraph (2), costs may include, in relation to enforcement notices—

(a) investigation costs;

(b) administration costs; and

(c) costs of obtaining expert advice, including legal advice.

(5) Upon request from the Welsh Ministers, an enforcing authority must provide to the Welsh Ministers information as to receipts and costs.

(6) In this regulation, “enforcement notices” means non-compliance penalty notices and fixed monetary penalty notices.

Commencement Information

I46 Reg. 45 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

PART 7 E+W Miscellaneous

Revocation of the Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2009 E+W

46.  The Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2009(12) are revoked.

Commencement Information

I47 Reg. 46 in force at 12.2.2019, see reg. 1(1)

Lesley Griffiths

Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, one of the Welsh Ministers

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations supplement, and make provision for the enforcement, of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/262 (the “EU Regulation”) in Wales. They provide for the identification of equines, and replace the Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 2009/2470) (W. 199).

Part 2 of the Regulations contains provisions which set out various administrative and procedural requirements. In particular, regulation 3 designates the Welsh Ministers as the competent authority and the zootechnical authority for the purposes of the EU Regulation. Other provisions in Part 2 set out various requirements in relation to the identification of equines and the identification document in relation to an equine.

Part 3 sets out various exceptions in relation to equines living under wild or semi-wild conditions.

Part 4 sets out various criminal offences for breach of provisions of these Regulations and the EU Regulation.

Part 5 contains provisions about enforcement and penalties and gives powers to inspectors appointed by the Welsh Ministers or an enforcing authority. In particular, regulation 35 provides that enforcing authorities may choose to apply civil sanctions instead of criminal penalties where they are sure that an offence has been committed. Part 6 then sets out the civil sanctions that are available to enforcing authorities.

Part 7 contains a provision for the revocation of the Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2009.

The Welsh Ministers’ Code of Practice on the carrying out of Regulatory Impact Assessments was considered in relation to these Regulations. As a result, a regulatory impact assessment has been prepared as to the likely costs and benefits of complying with these Regulations. A copy can be obtained from the Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

(1)

S.I. 2010/2690.

(2)

1972 c. 68. Section 2(2) was amended by section 27(1)(a) of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (c. 51) and by section 3(3) of, and Part 1 of the Schedule to, the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008 (c. 7). It is prospectively repealed by section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (c. 16) from exit day (see section 20 of that Act).

(3)

Paragraph 1A of Schedule 2 to the European Communities Act 1972 was inserted by section 28 of the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006. It was amended by section 3(3) of, and Part 1 of the Schedule to, the European Union (Amendment) Act 2008 and by S.I. 2007/1388. It is prospectively repealed by section 1 of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 from exit day (see section 20 of that Act).

(4)

OJ No. L.59, 3.3.2015, p. 1.

(5)

OJ No. L 224, 18.8.1990, p.55. The Directive was amended by Council Directive 2008/73/EC of 15 July 2008 (OJ No. L 219, 14.8.2008, p. 40).

(6)

OJ No. L 192, 23.7.2010, p.1. The Directive was amended by Council Directive 2013/20/EU of 13 May 2013 (OJ No. L 158, 10.6.2013, p. 234 and by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/1840 of 14 October 2016 (OJ No. L 280, 18.10.2016, p. 33).

(7)

1981 c. 22.

(8)

1971 c. 80.

(9)

OJ No. L 149, 7.6.2008, p.3.

(10)

1925 c. 86. Relevant amending enactments are Schedule 6 to the Magistrates’ Court Act 1952 (c. 55) and Schedule 8 to the Courts Act 1971 (c. 23).

(11)

1980 c. 43.

(12)

S.I. 2009/2470 (W. 199).