Recital 31

(31)Since all equidae born in or imported into the Union should be identified in accordance with this Regulation by means of a single identification document issued for their lifetime, special provisions are necessary in cases where the status of an animal as ‘equidae for breeding and production’ is changed into ‘registered equidae’ within the meaning of Directive 2009/156/EC. Given the far reaching consequences of such a change for the movement, trade in and importation into the Union from third countries of equidae as regards the applicable animal health rules laid down in Directive 2009/156/EC, but also as regards the animal welfare rules governing such movements in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 ²¹ , it is necessary for the competent authority to have a single point of access, namely a central database, to verify the identification details of equidae required for certification or official controls.