Q: Aurelia Beigneux (ID, FR) - Trafficking of pets in the EU (2019-11-19)
The root cause of the trafficking of pets can be found partly in the principles of the free circulation of goods and persons – in other words, in what forms the foundation of the European Union. It is also a significant source of income for organised crime. The result has been the emergence of a veritable industry rearing young animals which are in poor health and face a cruel future. Does the Commission really intend to take action to curb this parallel economy, given that the kind of fight this would entail implies directly calling into question the current economic model? |
A: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Trade of pets is regulated by Council Directive 92/65/EEC [1]. The provisions of this Directive
aim at ensuring trade of pets between Member States while addressing the public and health
risks linked to this trade. The Competent Authorities of the Member States are responsible for
the controls related to this trade while the Commission’s role is to verify that the provisions of
the EU legislation are implemented.
The Commission is aware of the problems on trafficking of pets. For this reason, it has taken a
number of initiatives such as update of the legislation in this field under the Animal Health
Law [2], implemented a coordinated control plan on online sales of dogs and cats and
undertaken specific trainings for the competent authorities of the Member States. It will
continue to work with Member States towards effective implementation of the above-mentioned rules.
[1] Council Directive 92/65/EEC of 13 July 1992 laying down animal health requirements governing trade in and imports into the Community of animals, semen, ova and embryos not subject to animal health requirements laid down in specific Community rules referred to in Annex A (I) to Directive 90/425/EEC, OJ L 268, 14.9.1992, p. 54.
[2] Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on transmissible animal diseases and amending and repealing certain acts in the area of animal health (‘Animal Health Law’), OJL 84, 31.3.2016, p. 1–208.
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