Q: Lidia Senra Rodríguez (GUE/NGL, ES) - EU animal welfare strategy (2015-01-26)

Pet protection is becoming a political priority for EU citizens, although in some countries the issue is conspicuous by its absence. In Galicia, at least 14 000 cases of animal abandonment and abuse have been reported, but only 24 of these have been investigated by the authorities.

The European Union requires an integrated strategy to facilitate the sharing of experience and information between the various governments, which would give rise to positive synergies and coordinated action against atrocities such as the abandonment, abuse and illegal sale of pets.

1. Does the Commission plan to develop any initiatives to encourage the sharing of animal protection information?

2. How much does it intend to invest in pet protection initiatives and responsible ownership practices?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (2015-03-17)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answers to Written Questions E-007896/2014, E-006602/2014 and E-004861/2014 which address its initiatives in the sharing of animal protection information. The EU competences in animal welfare are limited to the EU policies mentioned in Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU). Pet protection or responsible ownership practices of pet animals does not fall within one of those policy areas. Therefore, such activities fall within the competences of the Member States.