Authorisation of alternative methods of identification
Article 16
1. Where a Member State has authorised, in accordance with Article 62 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2035, a suitable alternative method of identification for the verification of the identity of kept equine animals born in its territory, including inherited or acquired distinctive marks and genetic markers, the competent authority, or as applicable the delegated body, shall ensure that the details of this alternative method of identification have been verified before those details are recorded in the single lifetime identification document and the computer database. 2. Member States may require the use of alternative methods of identity verification based on genetic markers as a complement of the identification requirements laid down in Article 109(1)(d)(ii) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, for equine animals born or habitual resident in that Member State. 3. Member States shall make information on their authorised alternative methods of identification as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, available to the Commission, the other Member States and the public on the website referred to in Article 4(1). 4. Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, is used to identify equine animals, the information details shall be recorded in the extended format of the single lifetime identification document. 5. In the case of equine animals with unique colour marks, such as zebra, in confined establishments, the competent authority may authorise the replacement of a completed outline diagram by a high quality photograph. 6. Where an alternative method of identification, as referred to in paragraph 1, is used, the operator shall provide the means of accessing that identification information or shall, if applicable, bear the costs or the consequence of the delays of verifying the identity of the equine animal.