Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH

Impasse des Chênes 12 | 1784 Courtepin | on behalf of Hansruedi Vonlanthen

Courtepin, May 2026

APPLICATION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXPERT COMMISSION

to review the statements of facts concerning horse breeding responsibilities

Head of the Animal Products and Animal Breeding Division, FOAG: Christian Stricker

 

The FOAG itself has announced a fundamental change on its website that fully confirms the position of Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH:

 

— Source: FOAG website, announcement of the Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026

This is precisely what Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH has been calling for for years and is already implementing: the international integration of Swiss Haflinger horse breeding through the representation of the three leading UZB organisations (HPT Tyrol, A.N.A.C.R.HA.I. South Tyrol, FN Germany). The announced Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026 confirms that the BLW’s previous approach — treating horse breeding under the general TZV — was inadequate.

What the 2026 Horse Breeding Ordinance means

• Horse breeding is legally separated from general animal breeding — a long overdue measure

• International integration is enshrined as an explicit objective — exactly what Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH represents

• Breeding organisations are to be supported — not obstructed

• Consequence: Christian Stricker’s statements of fact contradict the FOAG’s own announced strategy

 

Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH represents the three internationally recognised organisations managing the Haflinger breed’s studbooks of origin (UZB) and implements their breeding programmes in Switzerland. This activity is fully compatible with current legislation.

 

EU Regulation 2016/1012

• Art. 8(3): The HPT breeding programme meets all requirements — confirmed by an expert opinion from the Tyrolean Animal Breeding Council dated 13 October 2020

• The HPT has been responsible for all EU Member States since 8 January 2015 (decision by the Tyrolean Animal Breeding Authority)

• Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH applies this legally valid breeding programme in Switzerland

Swiss Animal Breeding Ordinance (TZV, AS 2025 723)

• Art. 6(3) TZV: UELN life number system — is used in an adapted form by Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH for every organisation maintaining a herd book

• Art. 5 TZV: Special rights and obligations for organisations maintaining the herd book of origin for an equine breed — Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH represents precisely these

• Art. 17 TZV: Swiss and EU breeding organisations may mutually extend their geographical areas

Animal Breeding Organisation Ordinance (TierZOV)

• Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH possesses the professional expertise required by the Federal Council

• These requirements are being ignored by Christian Stricker — deliberately disregarded

The following statements of fact by Mr Stricker contradict current legislation and — as the Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026 shows — also the FOAG’s own strategy:

 

Stricker’s claim	Legal reality + application of breeding programmes + Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026
"An umbrella organisation cannot be approved by the BLW — the BLW does not recognise this term" (Stricker’s claim)	Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH is an umbrella organisation — it does not maintain a stud book and does not engage in breeding. It coordinates and represents the three organisations in Switzerland that maintain the original studbooks for the Haflinger breed (HPT, A.N.A.C.R.HA.I., FN). This function is provided for by law and corresponds to the international affiliation sought by the Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026. The FOAG is obliged to recognise this function.
"A new horse breed has not been possible since 1949"	A new horse breed can easily be applied for with the relevant documentation and regulations. Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH is applying for a new breed — this claim by Christian Stricker is factually incorrect and demonstrates a lack of expertise regarding the Animal Breeding Act (TierZOV).
"Foreign breeding programmes are not relevant in Switzerland"	Art. 17 TZV expressly permits EU breeding organisations to extend their territory to Switzerland. According to the articles of association of Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH, its activities are also transferable to the EU. The PferdeZV 2026 enshrines international integration as an explicit objective.
"UELN assignment to sections not possible"	Art. 6(3) TZV explicitly requires a UELN. Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH has its own alphanumeric UELN and uses it for all three UZB organisations.
"No provision for open and closed studbook registration"	Art. 6(4) TZV: separate sections for purebred animals, crossbreeds and animals of unknown pedigree are required by law. The HPT breeding programme expressly provides for this.

 

The expert commission is not intended to act as an arbitration body between parties. Its sole purpose is to determine whether the facts presented by Christian Stricker comply with current legislation — and whether Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH is permitted to carry out its work as provided for by law.

Mandate

1. Verification: To check the accuracy of each of Stricker’s claims against the TZV, EU Regulation 2016/1012, the TierZOV and the forthcoming PferdeZV 2026

2. Confirm compliance with the law: Compare the activities of Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH with the legislation, clause by clause

3. Assessment of competence: Do Stricker’s decisions demonstrate the professional competence required for horse breeding under the Animal Breeding Ordinance (TierZOV)?

4. Clarification of future plans: How can Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH fulfil its role within the framework of the announced PferdeZV 2026?

Composition

• Administrative law expert (independent, no BLW mandate)

• Expert in EU animal breeding law (EU Regulation 2016/1012) and horse breeding

• Representatives of the organisations managing the UZB (HPT, A.N.A.C.R.HA.I., FN)

• Representatives of the Swiss breeders concerned

• Explicitly NOT: persons from the FOAG’s Animal Breeding Division or its associated circles (conflict of interest)

 

The BLW fulfils its statutory duties. The SHV fulfils its statutory duties. Haflinger-Pentagon Sàrl-GmbH wishes to fulfil its statutory duty — representing the three organisations managing the UZB and ensuring the international integration of Swiss Haflinger horse breeding, as expressly provided for in the Horse Breeding Ordinance 2026.

The expert commission is to confirm this objectively. Nothing more, nothing less.