Animal welfare law; application for a certificate of competence or a certificate of proficiency

Examination of the expertise of persons responsible for activities or animal husbandry requiring a permit in accordance with Section 11 TierSchG

As part of the granting of a permit for animal husbandry and activities involving animals that require a permit in accordance with Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act, the applicant must appoint a responsible person. The expertise of the responsible person is verified by an expert interview with the district administrative authority if no corresponding professional training qualification or proof of previous professional or other contact with animals is available. The content of the technical interview depends on the intended activity, the type of animal husbandry, the animal species, etc.

Certificate of competence in animal transportation

A certificate of competence for drivers and supervisors of animal transport is required for the transportation of farm animals and horses if the transportation is carried out in connection with a commercial activity. If no corresponding professional qualification was obtained after 05.01.2007, the certificate of competence can be issued by the district administrative authority after training and passing an examination (§ 4 Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance). The certificate of competence is valid throughout the European Union.

Certificate of competence for slaughtering

A certificate of competence is required for the slaughter of animals by companies; this applies to all activities in connection with slaughter. The responsible ministry authorizes competent institutions to carry out appropriate training and examinations. After passing the examination, the district administrative authority issues the certificate of competence. Certificates of competence in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter are valid throughout the European Union.

Certificate of competence for piglet stunning

For the stunning of male pigs under eight days old (piglets) for the purpose of castration with isoflurane, other persons who are not veterinarians require a certificate of competence. The certificate of competence is issued by the competent authority upon application, provided that the necessary requirements are met (including successful participation in a training course and examination).

In addition, a veterinarian must periodically check the practical skills required to perform anesthesia during piglet castration.

Issue of a certificate of competence in accordance with Art. 17 Para. 2 Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005, also in conjunction with Section 4 Para. 1 or 2 of the Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance: EUR 10 to 500 Issue of a certificate of competence in accordance with Section 4 Para. 2 TierSchlV: EUR 25 to 500.

• Animal Welfare Act (TierSchG)
• Ordinance on the Protection of Animals in Connection with Slaughter or Killing (Animal Welfare Slaughter Ordinance - TierSchlV)
• Ordinance on the protection of animals during transport (Animal Welfare Transport Ordinance - TierSchTrV)
• Ordinance on the use of isoflurane anaesthesia for piglet castration by competent persons (Piglet Anaesthesia Ordinance - FerkBetSachkV)
• Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing

  Version from 11/18/2009

• COUNCIL REGULATION (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97

  Version from 05.01.2005

• Housing conditions contrary to animal welfare; notification