Article 14 Removal or replacement of identification marks
No person may remove or replace the original method of identification of an animal originating in another member State in contravention of Article 4(5) of the Council Regulation.
No person may contravene or fail to comply with Article 4(6)(first paragraph) of the Council Regulation, unless in accordance with articles 16 to 19.
A keeper must replace a lost or illegible identification mark, in accordance with articles 15 to 19, as soon as possible after the original identification mark is removed or discovered to be lost or illegible, but in any event—
no later than 28 days after it was removed or discovered to be lost or illegible, and
before the animal is moved from the holding.
It is a defence for any person charged with an offence of contravening or failing to comply with paragraphs (1) or (2) prove that—
the identification mark was removed to prevent unnecessary pain to an animal; and
a replacement means of identification bearing the same identification code was applied to the animal as soon as possible.