Q: Bart Staes (Greens/EFA, BE) - Measures to prevent cruelty to animals in the EU (2016-04-07)

Citizens have more and more questions about the way dogs and cats are treated in countries such as Spain.

My colleague Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE) has already asked two questions about this (E-006548/2015 and E012789/2015). One of them concerned the question of whether the Commission will keep its promise to harmonise the regulations on the registration and identification of pets. The answer to the question was that the Commission would consider the legal options, if the study shows that there are harmful consequences for human and animal welfare.

This same study shows that indeed the current situation endangers the health of humans and animals and besides that it can disrupt the functioning of the internal market.

What measures will the Commission take to harmonise the different national regulations concerning the breeding and keeping of animals, taking into account the fact that the different regulations could lead to unequal market costs and health risks?

What measures will the Commission take to ensure that the existing European legislation on animal welfare during commercial transport is being correctly implemented and complied with?

What time frame does the Commission need to take the necessary measures?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (2016-06-02)

The animal health conditions for trade in and imports into the Union of dogs and cats as well as for the non-commercial movement of pets are fully harmonised. A review of those conditions is due within the scope of the empowerments and the time

limits set out in the recently adopted Animal Health Law. The welfare of dogs and cats, in particular their keeping and breeding for non-commercial and commercial purposes, is not governed by EU rules. This matter remains within the sole competence of the Member States.

The Commission works closely with Member States in support of their daily application of the EU Regulation on the protection of animals during transport. The Commission is currently exploring the possibilities for establishing an enhanced stakeholders’ dialogue. Such dialogue could be the framework for a further exchange of information on the enforcement of the aforementioned EU Regulation, also in relation to the commercial transport of dogs and cats. The Commission has at present no plans for animal welfare initiatives targeting the keeping and breeding of dogs or cats.