Council Directive 90/428/EEC of 26 June 1990 on trade in equidae intended for competitions and laying down the conditions for participation therein

18.8.1990 EN Official Journal of the European Communities L 224/60
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 26 June 1990
on trade in equidae intended for competitions and laying down the conditions for participation therein
(90/428/CEE)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Articles 42 and 43 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
Whereas equidae, being live animals, are included in the list of products in Annex II to the Treaty;
Whereas in order to ensure the rational development of equidae production, thereby increasing productivity in the sector, rules governing intra-Community trade in equidae intended for competitions must be laid down at Community level;
Whereas the breeding and rearing of equidae and in particular of horses is generally included in the farming sector; whereas it constitutes a source of income for part of the farming population;
Whereas there are disparities in the Community as regards the rules for access to competitions; whereas those disparities constitute a barrier to intra-Community trade;
Whereas trade in equidae intended for competitions and participation in such competitions may be jeopardized by disparities existing in the rules concerning the allocation of a percentage of the prize money or profits for the safeguard, development and improvement of breeding in the Member States; whereas introducing free access to the competitions presupposes harmonization of these rules;
Whereas, pending such harmonization, in order, in particular, to maintain or increase productivity in that sector, Member States should be authorized to reserve a percentage of prize money or profits for the safeguard, development and improvement of their breeding activities; whereas, however, a ceiling should be fixed for that percentage;
Whereas it is advisable to adopt implementing measures regarding certain technical aspects; whereas, for the purposes of the planned measures, provision should be made for close and effective cooperation between Member States and the Commission within the Standing Committee on Zootechnics,