Council Directive 77/504/EEC of 25 July 1977 on pure- bred breeding animals of the bovine species

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE  of 25 July 1977  on pure-bred breeding animals of the bovine species  (77/504/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Articles 43 and 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),
Whereas cattle production occupies a very important place in Community agriculture, and satisfactory results depend to a large extent on the use of pure-bred breeding animals;
Whereas most Member States have hitherto endeavoured, as part of their national breeding policies, to promote the production of livestock of a limited number of breeds meeting specific zootechnic standards ; whereas the breeds and standards vary from one Member State to another ; whereas these disparities hinder intra-Community trade;
Whereas, if these disparities are to be removed, thereby increasing agricultural productivity in this sector, intra-Community trade in all pure-bred breeding animals must be progressively liberalized ; whereas complete liberalization of trade requires a later additional harmonization particularly regarding approval for breeding;
Whereas it must be possible for the Member States to insist on pedigree certificates drawn up in accordance with a Community procedure being presented;
Whereas implementing measures in certain technical areas should be taken ; whereas, for the adoption of such measures, a procedure should be provided for establishing close cooperation between Member States and the Commission within the Standing Committee on Zootechnics ; whereas, until the adoption of those implementing measures, the provisions which are at present in force in the areas in question must remain unchanged;
Whereas it must be ensured that importation of pure-bred breeding animals of the bovine species from non-member countries cannot be carried out on conditions which are less severe than those applied within the Community,