Artikel 8

1. Any person who, at the time of the entry into force of the Convention, is trading in or is commercially breeding or boarding pet animals or is operating an animal sanctuary shall, within an appropriate period to be determined by each Party, declare this to the competent authority.
Any person who intends to engage in any of these activities shall declare this intention to the competent authority.
2. This declaration shall stipulate;
a. the species of pet animals which are involved or to be involved;
b. the person responsible and his knowledge;
c. a description of the premises and equipment used or to be used.
3. The above-mentioned activities may be carried out only:
a. if the person responsible has the knowledge and abilities required for the activity either as a result of professional training or of sufficient experience with pet animals and
b. if the premises and the equipment used for the activity comply with the requirements set out in Article 4.
4. The competent authority shall determine on the basis of the declaration made under the provisions or paragraph 1 whether or not the conditions set out in paragraph 3 are being complied with. If these conditions are not adequately met, it shall recommend measures and, if necessary for the welfare of the animals, it shall prohibit the commencement or continuation of the activity.
5. The competent authority shall, in accordance with national legislation, supervise whether or not the above-mentioned condition are complied with.