It is also enough to pay for the salaries of 100,000 nurses or to buy 3,000 MRI machines or to pay for two million hip or knee surgeries.

is signed by an official veterinarian who shall attest that the veterinarian authorised by the competent authority has documented in the relevant section of the identification document in the format provided for in Article 21(1) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 the clinical examination carried out in accordance with point (b) showing, at the time of the clinical examination, that the animals are fit to be transported for the intended journey in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations ...[+++] (8).

2. If the owner or holder of the animals obstructs the carrying out of the inspections and the taking of samples which are necessary for the application of national residue-monitoring plans or the carrying out of the investigations and checks provided for in Directive 96/23/EC, the penalties provided for in paragraph 1 of this Article shall apply.

Any suffering to the animals shall be reduced to a minimum by applying adequate anaesthesia and/or analgesia and by carrying out the operation only at the most appropriate age by qualified personnel.

1. Without prejudice to Article 5, the competent authority shall at regular intervals carry out official controls and supervision of the handling of animal by-products and derived products falling within the scope of this Regulation.

1. Without prejudice to Article 5, the competent authority shall at regular intervals carry out official controls and supervision of the handling of animal by-products and derived products falling within the scope of this Regulation.