Q: Michela Giuffrida (S&D, IT) - Stray dogs in Sicily (2018-03-28)

Hundreds of dogs have been brutally poisoned in Sciacca and there have been many other similar cases in Rosolini and Paternò, and throughout Sicily, where the problem of stray animals has reached intolerable levels in terms of public health, and is of great concern with regard to the incidents of violence and cruelty to animals which have been taking place.

Both the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, signed in Strasbourg on 13 November 1987, and the Treaty of Lisbon (Article 13) stipulate that the EU and its Member States 'shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals'. As long ago as 4 July 2012 a European Parliament resolution called on the Commission to propose the establishment of an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals.

In spite of that, the welfare of stray animals is still not adequately covered by EU legislation, since it remains the sole responsibility of the Member States.

Can the Commission clarify:

1) what action it is taking in order to put in place effective EU legislation concerning the protection of stray animals;

2) what new stray animal management strategies it intends to propose, as requested by Parliament on 4 July 2012?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (2018-05-17)

Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union [1] on the Union policy on animal welfare states that:

"In formulating and implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research, and technological development and space policies, the Union and Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to cultural traditions and regional heritage".

The welfare of stray animals is not part of any of the above mentioned Union's policies.

In light of the above, the Commission is not considering taking initiatives in this area.

[1]     https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=EN