(1)

Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 provides that each Member State is to establish a system for the identification and registration of ovine and caprine animals in accordance with that Regulation. Accordingly it is appropriate to define the minimum level of checks to be carried out by Member States in order to verify the proper implementation of the requirements for the identification and registration of those animals, as provided for in that Regulation (the checks).

(2)

The competent authority of each Member State should carry out checks based on a risk analysis. The risk analysis should take into account all relevant factors, including in particular, animal health considerations.

(3)

The percentage of holdings and animals to be checked in the Member States should be laid down. Before 31 December 2009 those rates will be reviewed in the light of the results of the reports on the checks carried out and submitted by the Member States.

(4)

As a general rule, all animals on a holding should be covered by the checks. However, for holdings with more than 20 animals the competent authority should be permitted to restrict the checks to an appropriate representative sample of the animals.

(5)

Member States should submit an annual report to the Commission providing information on the implementation of the checks. It is appropriate to set out a model report in this Regulation.

(6)

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health,

(a)

the number of animals on the holding;

(b)

animal health considerations, and in particular the existence of previous outbreaks of animal diseases;

(c)

the amount of annual premium for ovine and caprine animals claimed and/or paid to the holding;

(d)

significant changes in comparison with the situation in previous annual inspection periods;

(e)

the results of checks carried out in previous annual inspection periods, in particular, the proper keeping of the holding register and movement documents;

(f)

proper communication of information to the competent authority;

(g)

other criteria to be defined by the Member State.

(a)

the reason for selecting the holding for the check;

(b)

the persons present during the check;

(c)

the results of the check and any findings of non-compliance with Regulation (EC) No 21/2004.

(a)

the number of holdings in the Member State concerned;

(b)

the number of checks on holdings;

(c)

the total number of animals registered at the beginning of the reporting period;

(d)

the number of animals which have been checked;

(e)

any results of checks that show non-compliance with Regulation (EC) No 21/2004 by keepers;

(f)

any penalty imposed in accordance with Article 12(2) of Regulation (EC) No 21/2004.