In Spain the situation suffered by some pets, such as dogs, is especially serious. As well as being the country with the most abandoned pets and the growth in illegal breeding establishments, there is a lack of transparency which undermines the legality of their slaughter and encourages extermination.
Owing to the lack of resources in Member States and the legislative differences between them, as recognised by the Commission (COM(2012)0006), there is a need for EU legislation on the protection of pets which contains certain minimum standards applicable in all States.
1. Does the Commission believe it is necessary to adopt legislation at EU level for the protection of pets throughout the Union, as already expressed by the European Parliament in 2012?
2. Does the Commission intend to adopt the legislation and measures required in order to promote the zero euthanasia of pets in the Union and to encourage adoptions and sterilisation, as well as drawing up campaigns to raise awareness of responsible pet ownership, reintroducing programmes such as CAROdog?
3. When does the Commission intend to publish the study into the welfare of dogs and cats subject to commercial practices which was scheduled for 2014?
A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (24.6.2015)
The study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices will be completed by this
summer. The Commission will then consider if any further action regarding pets could be necessary.
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