Introductory text

THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,

Having regard to Council Directive 89/361/EEC of 30 May 1989 concerning pure-bred breeding sheep and goats^f1, and in particular the second indent of Article 4 thereof,

Whereas:

Commission Decision 90/255/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria governing entry in flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats^f2, provides that breeders’ associations and organisations may decide to enter males of certain breeds, which are specified in a closed list, in an annex to the flock-book.

That list has been found to be impractical and inflexible and should be replaced by a flexible procedure under which breeding organisations can opt for the use of the necessary genetic resources within the framework of a clear defined and supervised breeding programme.

It is in the interest of protection of animal genetic resources to allow approved breeders’ organisations or associations to establish, in appropriate cases, annexes to their flock-books for males which do not fulfil the criteria for entry in the main section but are valuable for the preservation of the breed.

The rules on entering certain males into an annex to the flock-book and allowing progeny of such males to enter the main section of the flock-book should be sufficiently stringent and non-discriminatory; to this end, they should be submitted for prior approval to the competent authority referred to in Commission Decision 90/254/EEC of 10 May 1990 laying down the criteria for approval of breeders’ organisations and associations which establish or maintain flock-books for pure-bred breeding sheep and goats^f3.

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Zootechnics,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: