The Equine Identification (Wales) Regulations 2019

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.