For the purpose of this Regulation:

1. (a)

   ‘animal’ shall mean any animal of the ovine or caprine species;

2. (b)

   ‘holding’ shall mean any establishment, any structure, or in the case of free-range farming, any environment, in which animals are held, reared or handled on a permanent or temporary basis, except veterinary practices or clinics;

3. (c)

   ‘keeper’ shall mean any natural or legal person with responsibility for animals, even temporarily, except veterinary practices or clinics;

4. (d)

   ‘competent authority’ shall mean the F1... authority or authorities F2whose functions include carrying out veterinary checks and implementing this Regulation, or, in the case of monitoring for premiums, the authority F3whose functions include implementing Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003;