Q: Olivier Chastel, Frédérique Ries (Renew, FR)- Euthanasia of pet animals from third countries (2021-05-20)

MEP: Olivier Chastel (Renew, FR), Frédérique Ries (Renew, FR)- Euthanasia of pet animals from third countries (2021-05-20)

Article 35 of Regulation No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and repealing Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 lists the actions to be taken in case of non-compliance revealed during the checks provided for in Articles 33 and 34 of that Regulation.

Paragraph 1(c) of that Article provides for the possibility ‘as a last resort where its return is not possible or isolation is not practical, [to] put the pet animal down in accordance with applicable national rules relating to the protection of pet animals at the time of killing.’

1. Does the Commission have any data on the number of pet animals from third countries put down since the adoption of this Regulation (for pet animals of the species listed in Parts A and B of Annex I)?

2. To what extent is the animal owner consulted and how does the Commission ensure that this is the option of last resort?



A: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

1. There is no legal obligation for Member States, which are responsible for the checks, to
submit this information to the Commission. The Commission does not have these data.

2. Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 576/20131 establishes that, where necessary, the competent authority consults with the owner or the authorised person on the measures to be taken when the checks show non-compliances. The extent of this consultation depends on the competent authority. It is also on the competent authority to decide when the option to put the pet down is the last resort.

Supporter(1)


(1) This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Hilde Vautmans (Renew)