Q: Lidia Senra Rodríguez (GUE/NGL, ES) - Investment of EU funding in animal shelters (2015-02-06)

The construction of animal shelters is a state requirement in countries such as Spain, where the authorities are responsible for collecting and housing abandoned animals. The abandonment and abuse of animals is a serious problem in Galicia, and non-profit organisations in the region have taken on work that should be performed by the public institutions, for which they receive no financial support whatsoever.

Using EU funding to construct more facilities of this kind could also serve as a catalyst for job creation and a magnet for educational and awareness programmes.

1. Does the Commission intend to encourage the investment of EU funding in animal shelters?

2. Does it plan to introduce any measures to provide financial support to animal welfare organisations in the Member States?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (7.4.2015)

The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the answer to written question E-002710/14. EU competences do not allow the Commission to fund the creation of dog pounds or shelters for abandoned pets or to provide financial support to animal welfare organisations in the Member States for that purpose.