S.L. 437.27 Art. 3Grantingofofficial approval.

(1) The authorities of the territory of Malta or the Member

State concerned must grant official approval to any breeders' organisations or associations which maintain or establish flock-books if the latter meet the conditions laid down in the Schedule.

(2) However, in the territory of Malta or in a Member State in which in respect of a given breed one or more officially approved breeders’ organisations or associations already exist, the authorities may refuse to recognise a new breeders' organisation or association if it endangers the preservation of the breed or jeopardises the zootechnical programme of the existing association or organisation. In this case, the authorities shall inform the Member States or European Commission of approvals granted and refusals to give recognition.