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 permits for animal husbandry and activities with animals subject to licensing in accordance with Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act, the applicant must appoint a responsible person. If the responsible person does not have a corresponding professional qualification or proof of previous professional or other contact with animals, their expertise is verified by means of an expert interview with the district administrative authority. 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

For the transportation of agricultural livestock and horses, a certificate of competence is required for drivers and supervisors of an animal transport if the transportation is carried out in connection with an economic 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 slaughtering of animals by companies; this applies to all activities in connection with slaughtering. 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, persons other than 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).

A veterinarian must also periodically check the practical skills required to perform anaesthesia 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.