Q: Marlene Mizzi (S&D, MT) - Animal welfare - dog fighting (2019-04-29)

Despite measures having been taken, dog combats are still occurring in various locations. This is an extremely dangerous practice and the dogs involved are treated very cruelly. Animal protection associations are advocating change, but nothing has yet been put in place to avoid dogs being trained as killing machines and other small animals being used as training bait, causing irreparable physical damage to all of them.

The dogs used for these combats belong to certain types of breeds that are prohibited within the EU, yet still present. What action is the Commission planning to ensure more effective cooperation between animal protection associations, law enforcement bodies, customs officers and other relevant stakeholders, with a view to putting an end to this criminal practice?

A: Vice-President Katainen on behalf of the Commission

The issues referred to by the Honourable Member (welfare conditions of dogs in the EU and prohibition or control of certain types of breeds) are not governed by EU rules but fall under the sole competence of the Member States. In light of the above, the Commission is not considering taking initiatives in these areas.