1.During an eight-year transitional period starting from the entry into force of this Regulation, animals of the species listed in parts A and B of Annex I shall be regarded as identified where they bear:
(a)either a clearly readable tattoo; or
(b)an electronic identification system (transponder).
[F1In the case referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph, where the transponder does not comply with the requirements set out in Annex Ia, the owner or the natural person responsible for the pet animal on behalf of the owner must provide the means necessary for reading the transponder at the time of any inspection.]
2.Whatever form the animal identification system takes, provision shall also be made for the indication of details identifying the name and address of the animal's owner.
3.Member States which require animals entering their territory, otherwise than into quarantine, to be identified in accordance with point (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 may continue to do so during the transitional period.
4.After the transitional period, only the method referred to in point (b) of the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 shall be accepted as the means of identifying an animal.