Q: Roberta Metsola (PPE, MT) - Dogs in urban areas (2019-07-12)

EU legislation on animal welfare generally focuses on the welfare of animals on farms or in
laboratories, including their transportation, trade in livestock and the use of animals in scientific
studies.

What rules does the Commission envisage for the purposes of laying down the minimum standards
and conditions for owning a domesticated animal, especially in urban areas?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the European Commission

The welfare of companion animals in the EU, including dogs as referred to by the Honourable
Member, falls outside the scope of EU legislation.

Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union[1] stipulates that: "In formulating and
implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological
development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient
beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals (…)”.

This article does not empower the Union to legislate on animal welfare as such. It is only where EU
policies in the abovementioned areas may or are likely to impact on the welfare of animals that the
Commission can propose legislation. 

[1] Consolidated version of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (OJ C 326, 26.10.2012, p. 47).