Q: Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D, BE) - Illegal trade in animals (2015-09-29)

In recent weeks, I have received innumerable emails from members of the public who are concerned about the ever growing illegal trade in animals in Europe. The illegal trade in puppies has now become the third most profitable business, close behind the arms and drugs trades.

Documents are forged, existing systems are abused and the animals are mistreated. Many die en route under cruel conditions, others are exposed to diseases which moreover can also be dangerous to human beings.

Correct identification, registration and assignment to an owner by means of a harmonised and compulsory national, or preferably European, system can to a large extent curb these abuses.

1. Will the Commission in the near future make thorough preparations for the introduction of such a compulsory European registration system?

2. What form would that system take, and when can we expect it to be introduced?

3. Has the Commission planned any other action to stop these cruel acts?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (2015-11-13)

With respect to the issue of an European database for identification and registration of cats and dogs the Commission would refer to its replies to the previous Written Questions E-001454/2015, E-008449/2010, E-004247/2012, E-007168/2012 and E-004938/2013.

The Commission has mandated a study concerning the welfare of cats and dogs involved in commercial practices in the EU. The study concerns different issues including national registration systems. The results of this study should be presented and discussed with stakeholders in a conference due to take place on 12 November 2015 in Brussels. As the commission was waiting for the outcome of this study, it has not planned additional measures.