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The Saeima 1 has adopted and
the President has proclaimed the following law:

Law on Animal Production and Breeding

Section 1. Terms Used in this Law

(1) The following terms are used in this Law:

1) endangered breed:

a) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine species - a breed within the meaning of Article 2(24) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2016 on zootechnical and genealogical conditions for the breeding, trade in and entry into the Union of purebred breeding animals, hybrid breeding pigs and the germinal products thereof and amending Regulation (EU) No 652/2014, Council Directives 89/608/EEC and 90/425/EEC and repealing certain acts in the area of animal breeding (Animal Breeding Regulation) (Text with EEA relevance) (hereinafter - Regulation No 2016/1012);

b) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause and pet animals - the local breed which has genetically adapted to the environment and one or several traditional production systems in Latvia and where the status of endangered breed is granted by a scientific justification by an institution possessing the necessary skills and knowledge in the area of endangered breeds;

2) breeding programme:

a) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine species - a programme within the meaning of Article 2(26) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

b) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause and pet animals - a set of systematic actions, including recording, selection, breeding and exchange of animals and their germinal products, developed and implemented to preserve or enhance desired phenotypic and genotypic characteristics in the target population of breeding animals;

3) breeding:

a) in relation to farm animals - such set of zootechnical measures to be implemented according to the breeding programme for the improvement of animal genetic and economically valuable characteristics which includes correct recording, performance testing, sampling, selection, and determination of genetic quality;

b) in relation to pet animals - such set of zootechnical measures to be implemented according to the standard of the breed and the breeding rules or - for local breeds - according to the breeding programme for the improvement of animal genetic and economically valuable characteristics which includes correct recording, evaluation of animals, testing of working capacity, and selection;

4) farm animals - animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine, fur animal, rabbit, poultry, honey-bee (Apis mellifera L.) species and other species which are bred and kept for acquiring products of animal origin, except for aquaculture animals;

5) pet animals - dogs, cats, pet ferrets;

6) recording - process which ensures quantitative and qualitative data on a farm animal and its productivity, and registration of such data;

7) performance testing - a process for the implementation of a breeding programme which ensures quantitative and qualitative data on a farm animal, its productivity, conformation, and also other data necessary for the determination of genetic quality, and the registration of such data;

8) purebred pet animal - a pet animal which conforms to the requirements set out in the standard of species or breed and the breeding rules or - for local breeds - in the breeding programme;

9) purebred breeding farm animal:

a) animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine species within the meaning of Article 2(9) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

b) other farm animals which are not referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause and which conform to the requirements set out in the breeding programme;

10) breeding material - germinal products of a farm animal: semen, oocyte, or embryo;

11) local breed - a breed of farm or pet animals created in Latvia with a cultural and historical, scientific, or economic value;

12) supervision - component of the system for the individual performance testing and recording of farm animals within the scope of which the reliability of the data on performance testing, recording, and pedigree is checked;

13) zootechnical certificate:

a) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine species - a certificate within the meaning of Article 2(20) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

b) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause - a document certifying the origin and breeding value of a purebreed breeding farm animal, its breeding material;

14) farm animal breed society:

a) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, equine species - a breed society within the meaning of Article 2(5) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

b) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause - an economic operator, a co-operative society, an association or foundation which is engaged in improvement and selection of specific farm animal species, breed, or line;

15) pet animal breeding organisation - a merchant, a co-operative society, an association or foundation which is engaged in improvement and selection of specific pet animal species or breed.

(2) The term "aquaculture animal" is used in this Law within the meaning of the Veterinary Medicine Law, but the term "hybrid pig breeding operation" - within the meaning of Article 2(6) of Regulation No 2016/1012.

Section 2. Purpose of this Law

The purpose of the Law is to ensure the development of animal production and breeding in the State in order to:

1) promote sustainable development of the livestock breeding, to promote rearing of herds of good quality and economic production of livestock products;

2) retain and improve the productivity and competitiveness of farm animals by promoting creation of highly productive herds;

3) retain and protect the diversity of animal breeds, including local breeds as the national value;

4) promote acquisition of pet animals of high value.

Section 3. Scope of Application of the Law

(1) The Law shall apply to natural and legal persons who perform breeding and are engaged in production of farm animals, pet animals, and aquaculture animals, and also to State and other institutions which carry out tasks related to animal production and breeding.

(2) The animal production and breeding issues which are not governed in this Law shall be determined by Regulation No 2016/1012 and other directly applicable legal acts of the European Union.

Section 4. Competence of the Ministry of Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture shall coordinate:

1) a uniform strategy for animal production and breeding;

2) attraction of financing for animal production and breeding;

3) conservation of endangered breeds.

Section 5. Competence of the Agricultural Data Centre

(1) The Agricultural Data Centre (hereinafter - the Data Centre) shall:

1) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and equine species be the competent authority which carries out the tasks laid down in Article 2(8)(a) and (d) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

2) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Clause 1 of this Paragraph:

a) recognise farm animal breeding bodies, and also approve the breeding programmes developed thereby and the amendments thereto;

b) maintain and make the lists of farm animal breeding bodies available to the public;

c) if the activity of a farm animal breed society does not conform to the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding animal production and breeding, take one or several of the following activities:

- request that breeding farm animals and their germinal products are not used in breeding;

- request that the farm animal breed society suspends the issuing of zootechnical certificates;

- suspend or revoke the approval for the breeding programme implemented by the farm animal breed society if activities of such society repeatedly, continuously, or in general do not conform to the requirements of the breeding programme developed thereby;

- revoke the recognition of the farm animal breed society if activities of such society repeatedly, continuously, or in general do not conform to the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding animal production and breeding or such society does not meet the conformity criteria of a farm animal breed society;

3) in relation to the farm animals and aquaculture animals referred to in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Paragraph:

a) maintain, keep, and monitor the single electronic monitoring system which includes the register of farm animals and aquaculture animals, their owners, herds and holdings;

b) assign identification numbers to farm animals to be grown in the State;

c) maintain, keep, and monitor the database of breeding, performance testing, and recording information of farm animals if it is laid down in the laws and regulations governing animal production and breeding;

d) perform supervision if it is laid down in the laws and regulations governing performance testing and recording of the farm animals of the relevant species;

e) issue the certificates and licences referred to in Section 14, Paragraphs one, two, three, and four of this Law to natural persons;

f) maintain, keep, and monitor the register of the persons engaged in breeding in accordance with the procedures laid down in the laws and regulations regarding breeding;

g) maintain and keep archives of farm animals, their owners, herds, holdings and farm animal breeding;

h) approve and register new breeds of farm animals;

j) if the activity of the person referred to in Section 14, Paragraph one, two, three, or four of this Law does not conform to the laws and regulations regarding animal production and breeding, the operation of the certificate or licence issued thereto shall be suspended for the time period until rectification of the violation or, upon detecting a significant violation, the certificate issued shall be cancelled or the licence shall be revoked;

4) in relation to pet animals:

a) register pet animal breeding organisations;

b) recognise pet animal breeding organisations which implement breeding programmes of local breed pet animals, and also approve the breeding programme developed thereby and the amendments thereto;

c) maintain and make the lists of pet animal breeding organisations available to the public;

d) if a pet animal breeding organisation has violated the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding breeding, temporarily suspend the activity of such organisation or exclude it from the register of pet animal breeding organisations;

e) if a pet animal breeding organisation which implements a breeding programme of local breed pet animals has violated the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding breeding, implement one or several of the following activities:

- suspend or revoke the approval for the breeding programme implemented by the pet animal breeding organisation if activities of such organisation repeatedly, continuously, or in general do not conform to the requirements of the breeding programme developed thereby;

- revoke the recognition of the pet animal breeding organisation if activities of such organisation repeatedly, continuously, or in general do not conform to the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding animal production and breeding or such organisation does not conform to the conformity criteria of a pet animal breeding organisation.

(2) The Cabinet shall determine:

1) the conformity criteria for a farm animal breed society and a hybrid pig breeding operation, the procedures for recognising and revoking the recognition thereof, and also the procedures for approving, suspending the approval, and revoking a breeding programme;

2) the procedures for registering a pet animal breeding organisation;

3) the conformity criteria for such pet animal breeding organisations, the procedures for recognising and revoking the recognition thereof which implement a breeding programme of local breed pet animals, and also the procedures for approving, suspending the approval, and revoking a breeding programme of local breed pet animals;

4) the procedures for approving and registering a farm animal breed.

Section 6. Competence of the Food and Veterinary Service

(1) Conformity with this Law and other laws and regulations related to animal production and breeding shall be monitored and controlled by the Food and Veterinary Service.

(2) The Food and Veterinary Service shall:

1) in relation to animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and equine species be the competent authority which carries out the tasks laid down in Article 2(8)(b) and (c) of Regulation No 2016/1012;

2) in relation to other farm animals which are not referred to in Clause 1 of this Paragraph and pet animals:

a) control natural and legal persons who are engaged in farm and pet animal production and breeding, including owners of farm animals, farm animal breeding bodies, and pet animal breeding organisations;

b) prepare a control plan and, according to it, regularly monitor the persons referred to in Sub-clause "a" of this Clause;

3) in relation to the farm animals, aquaculture animals, and pet animals referred to in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Paragraph:

a) control the persons referred to in Section 14, Paragraphs one, two, three, and four of this Law, and also the persons involved in the handling of semen, oocytes, and embryos and request documents and information from them;

b) inform the Data Centre of the violations established in the activity of the persons referred to in this Section.

Section 7. Competence of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies

(1) The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies shall grant the status of an endangered breed to a local breed and shall publish the list of endangered breeds on its website.

(2) The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies shall maintain a gene bank of farm animals and local breed pet animals for ensuring biological diversity. The procedures for maintaining a gene bank of farm animals and local breed pet animals shall be determined by the Cabinet.

Section 8. Competence of a Farm Animal Breed Society and a Hybrid Pig Breeding Operation

(1) The farm animal breed society which is referred to in Section 1, Clause 14, Sub-clause "a" of this Law and a hybrid pig breeding operation shall:

1) carry out the tasks laid down in Regulation No 2016/1012;

2) certify breeding animals and breeding material which conform to the criteria laid down in the breeding programme.

(2) The farm animal breed society which is referred to in Section 1, Clause 14, Sub-clause "a" of this Law shall carry out the following tasks related to breeding:

1) develop and implement breeding programmes of species or breeds, or lines of farm animals;

2) keep the register of breeding animals;

3) issue a zootechnical certificate to purebred breeding farm animals and their breeding material.

(3) In addition to the tasks laid down in Paragraphs one and two of this Section, a farm animal breed society and a hybrid pig breeding operation shall:

1) issue a breeding attestation to farm animals other than purebred breeding farm animals or hybrid breeding pigs;

2) organise events for the determination of breeding value, auctions, and participation in shows of farm animals, and also events for the evaluation of working capacity of horses;

3) represent the interests of breeders of farm animals and hybrid pigs in the field of animal production and breeding in Latvia and abroad;

4) maintain and keep the database of breeding, performance testing, and recording information of farm animals if it is laid down in the laws and regulations governing breeding;

5) perform supervisions if it is laid down in the laws and regulations governing performance testing and recording of the farm animals of the relevant species.

(4) The Cabinet shall determine:

1) the procedures for keeping the herd-book of animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and equine species or the breeding register of hybrid pigs;

2) the procedures for issuing a zootechnical certificate of a purebred breeding farm animal, hybrid breeding pig, and their breeding material and the data to be indicated in the certificate;

3) the procedures for issuing a breeding attestation of a farm animal and the data to be indicated in the attestation;

4) the procedures for certifying breeding animals and breeding material of animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and equine species.

Section 9. Competence of a Pet Animal Breeding Organisation

(1) A pet animal breeding organisation shall carry out the following tasks related to breeding:

1) keep a breeding book;

2) issue the pedigree certificates of purebred pet animals;

3) engage in evaluation, testing of working capacity, and selection of pet animals;

4) organise the participation of pet animals in animal shows;

5) represent the interests of pet animal breeders in the field of breeding in Latvia and abroad;

6) keep and maintain the database of the evaluation and testing of working capacity of pet animals.

(2) In addition to the tasks laid down in Paragraph one of this Section, a pet animal breeding organisation which wishes to implement a breeding programme of local breed pet animals shall develop such programme.

(3) The procedures by which a pet animal breeding organisation shall keep a breeding book of pet animals and issue the pedigree certificate of such animals shall be determined by the Cabinet.

Section 10. Registration of Farm Animals and Aquaculture Animals, Their Herds and Holdings and Identification of Animals

(1) All farm animals and aquaculture animals, their herds and holdings shall be registered, and all farm animals shall be identified. The procedures for registering farm animals and aquaculture animals, their herds and holdings, and also the procedures for the identification of farm animals shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(2) Pet animals shall be identified and registered in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for the registration of pet animals.

Section 11. Obtaining of Offspring of Farm Animals

(1) Offspring of animals of bovine, porcine, ovine, caprine, and equine species for breeding shall be obtained from certified breeding animals and certified breeding material.

(2) Offspring in dairy livestock herds in which recording takes place shall be obtained from breeding animals and breeding material which have the origin of one group of breeds in at least two generations.

(3) Offspring in herds of livestock for fattening in which recording takes place shall be obtained from breeding animals and breeding material which have the origin of one breed in at least two generations.

Section 12. Ensuring of Purebred Breeding Farm Animals, Hybrid Breeding Pigs and Their Breeding Material with a Zootechnical Certificate

(1) The purebred breeding farm animals, hybrid breeding pigs and their breeding material referred to in Section 1, Paragraph one, Clause 9, Sub-clause "a" of this Law shall be ensured with a zootechnical certificate in the cases laid down in Regulation No 2016/1012.

(2) The owner shall ensure the purebred breeding farm animals, hybrid breeding pigs and their breeding material referred to in Section 1, Paragraph one, Clause 9, Sub-clause "a" of this Law with a zootechnical certificate if:

1) the particular animal and its breeding material is intended for selling;

2) the particular animal and its breeding material has been imported into Latvia.

Section 13. Performance Testing and Recording of Farm Animals, Participation of Horses in Competitions

(1) The performance testing and recording of farm animals is a voluntary measure which is ensured in a herd by its owner. The procedures for the performance testing and recording of farm animals shall be determined by the Cabinet.

(2) If data of performance testing do not meet the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding performance testing and recording or a non-certified breeding animal or breeding material is used, the data of performance testing shall not be used in breeding.

(3) The procedures for the participation of horses in competitions shall be determined by the Cabinet.

Section 14. Requirements and Tasks for Persons Performing Evaluation, Performance Testing, and Recording, Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals, Transplantation of Oocytes and Embryos

(1) Farm animals shall be evaluated by a natural person who has received a certificate for the evaluation of farm animals of the relevant species and has entered into a contract with a farm animal breed society or a hybrid pig breeding operation on evaluation of farm animals for the implementation of a breeding programme.

(2) Performance testing (except for the evaluation) and recording of farm animals shall be performed by:

1) a natural person who has received a certificate for the recording of farm animals of the relevant species by exchanging information in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding performance testing and recording with a farm animal breed society or a hybrid pig breeding operation and conforming to a uniform methodology for obtaining data;

2) a natural person who has received a licence for the recording of farm animals of the relevant species in one herd by exchanging information in conformity with the laws and regulations regarding performance testing and recording with a farm animal breed society or a hybrid pig breeding operation and conforming to a uniform methodology for obtaining data.

(3) Artificial insemination of farm animals, including transplantation of a deep-frozen embryo prepared in a straw, shall be performed by:

1) a natural person who has received a certificate for artificial insemination of farm animals of the relevant species;

2) a natural person who has received a licence for the artificial insemination of farm animals of the relevant species in one herd.

(4) Transplantation of oocytes and embryos of farm animals shall be performed by a natural person who has received a certificate for the transplantation of oocytes and embryos of farm animals of the relevant species.

(5) The requirements for education and professional qualification for natural person who are engaged in evaluation, performance testing, and recording of farm animals, in artificial insemination, transplantation of oocytes and embryos, the procedures for the training of such persons, and also the procedures for the issuing, suspension, cancellation, and revocation of the relevant certificates and licences shall be determined by the Cabinet.

Section 15. Procedures for Contesting and Appealing Decisions

Decisions of the Food and Veterinary Service and the Data Centre may be contested and appealed in accordance with the procedures laid down in the Administrative Procedure Law.

Transitional Provisions

1. With the coming into force of this Law, the Law on Animal Production and Breeding (Latvijas Vēstnesis, 2011, No. 21; 2014, No. 51) is repealed.

2. The Cabinet shall, by 1 March 2019, issue the regulations referred to in Section 5, Paragraph two, Section 7, Paragraph two, Section 8, Paragraph four, Section 9, Paragraph three, Section 10, Paragraph one, Section 13, Paragraphs one and three, and Section 14, Paragraph five of this Law. Until the day of coming into force of these regulations, however no longer than until 28 February 2019, the following Cabinet Regulations shall be in force, insofar as they are not in contradiction with this Law:

1) Cabinet Regulation No. 473 of 21 June 2011, Procedures for the Registration of Pet Animal Breeding Organisations, Keeping of the Breeding Book of Pet Animals, and Issuing of Pedigree Certificates;

2) Cabinet Regulation No. 475 of 21 June 2011, Procedures for the Approval and Registration of a Farm Animal Breed;

3) Cabinet Regulation No. 479 of 21 June 2011, Procedures for the Monitoring of Pigs;

4) Cabinet Regulation No. 528 of 5 July 2011, Procedures for the Monitoring of Sheep;

5) Cabinet Regulation No. 528 of 5 July 2011, Procedures for the Monitoring of Horses and Evaluation of Working Capacity of Horses, and also Procedures by which Horses shall Participate in Competitions;

6) Cabinet Regulation No. 566 of 12 July 2011, Procedures for Training Natural Persons who Perform Evaluation, Monitoring, Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals, Transplantation of Oocytes and Embryos, and Procedures by which Certificates and Licences shall be Issued to Such Persons;

7) Cabinet Regulation No. 567 of 12 July 2011, Regulations Regarding the Conformity Criteria of Farm Animal Breeding Bodies and Procedures for Granting the Status of Farm Animal Breeding Bodies;

8) Cabinet Regulation No. 637 of 16 August 2011, Procedures for the Monitoring of Goats for Fattening;

9) Cabinet Regulation No. 649 of 16 August 2011, Procedures for the Monitoring of Rabbits and Fur Animals;

10) Cabinet Regulation No. 361 of 1 July 2014, Regulations Regarding Keeping of Herd-books of Animals of Bovine, Porcine, Ovine, Caprine, and Equine Species;

11) Cabinet Regulation No. 393 of 15 July 2014, Procedures for Registering Farm Animals and Aquaculture Animals, Their Herds and Holdings, and also Procedures for the Identification of Farm Animals;

12) Cabinet Regulation No. 419 of 22 July 2014, Procedures for Issuing the Breeding Certificate of a Farm Animal, Its Semen, Oocyte, and Embryo;

13) Cabinet Regulation No. 420 of 22 July 2014, Procedures for the Certification of Breeding Animals of Bovine, Porcine, Ovine, Caprine, and Equine Species, Their Semen, Oocytes, and Embryos;

14) Cabinet Regulation No. 514 of 8 September 2015, Procedures for the Monitoring of Cattle for Fattening;

15) Cabinet Regulation No. 13 of 5 January 2016, Procedures for the Monitoring of Dairy Cows and Dairy Goats.

The Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 11 October 2018.

President R. Vējonis

Rīga, 24 October 2018


1 The Parliament of the Republic of Latvia

Translation © 2022 Valsts valodas centrs (State Language Centre)

 
Document information
Title: Dzīvnieku audzēšanas un ciltsdarba likums Status:
In force
in force
Issuer: Saeima Type: law Adoption: 11.10.2018.Entry into force: 07.11.2018.Theme: Protection of animalsPublication: Latvijas Vēstnesis, 210, 24.10.2018. OP number: 2018/210.1
Language:
LVEN
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