Q: Siôn Simon (S&D, UK) - The welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices (2015-01-30)

Within the framework of the European Union Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015, the Commission has funded a study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices. The study is due to be published in February 2015.

In a statement annexed to Regulation (EU) No 576/2013, the Commission stated: ‘if the outcome of that study indicates health risks arising from commercial practices, the Commission will consider appropriate options for the protection of human and animal health, including proposing to the European Parliament and to the Council appropriate adaptations to current Union legislation on trade in dogs and cats, including the introduction of compatible systems for their registration accessible across Member States’.

1. Can the Commission confirm that this is still its position and that, if the study highlights health risks, the Commission will propose appropriate adaptations to the current EU legislation on trade in dogs and cats?

2. Can the Commission confirm when the findings of the study — and any policy recommendations — will be communicated to Parliament?

A: Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission (2015-04-10)

The study referred to by the Honourable Member is not yet completed:

1. When available, the Commission will conduct a careful analysis of the data collected and assess whether any adaptation of the current Union legislation on trade in dogs and cats is appropriate. 2. The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to Question E-00090/15.