Q: Clare Daly (GUE/NGL, IE) - Movement of animals and welfare (2019-11-28)

Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals covers the movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between the Member States.

Can the Commission outline how this regulation is monitored and implemented and what remedies are available when gross violations of animal welfare have occurred? In particular, could it make particular reference to the fact that reports have emerged of Irish greyhounds being rescued in Spain, which have suffered severe whippings and brutalities.

Can it say what measures can be put in place in order to put an end to exports of greyhounds to Spain?

A: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 [1] does not contain requirements related to the welfare of dogs. The welfare of pet dogs kept in private households or moved for non-commercial purposes is a matter that falls under the sole responsibility of the Member States.

On the contrary, trade in dogs requires compliance with the requirements set in EU legislation [2] i.e. registration of the establishment of origin, marking of the dog, rabies vaccination and anti-parasite treatment (when relevant) documented in the passport of the dog, clinical examination before departure,  health certification, notification in TRACES [3] to the country of destination and transport in accordance with EU animal welfare rules [4].

Trade in dogs cannot be banned if carried out in accordance with EU legislation.

[1] Regulation (EU) 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, OJ L 178, 28.6.2013, p. 1.

[2] 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. 

[3] https://ec.europa.eu/food/anim...

[4] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97, OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.