91997E2340

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2340/97 by Graham Mather (PPE) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Ear-tagging for pigs

Directive 92/102/EEC ((OJ L 355, 5.12.1992, p. 32. )) dictates that Member States must implement an ear-tagging indentification system for certain livestock, including pigs. There have been some complaints that this system is inhumane for pigs. There have been suggestions that increasing the use of inspections is a more viable alternative to ear-tagging.

Does the Commission have any plans to improve or eliminate the requirement for ear-tagging pigs? Is there scope in the directive to eliminate ear-tagging if it is replaced by an alternative system?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (4 September 1997)

In accordance with Article 5.3 of Council Directive 92/102/EEC on the identification and registration of animals, ' ... animals other than bovine animals must be marked as soon as possible and in any case before they leave the holding, with an eartag or tattoo making it possible to determine the holding from which they came and enabling reference to be made to any accompanying document which must mention such eartag or tattoo ...'.

In addition, the above mentioned Article provides for temporary marks and the possibility for Member States to apply their national system for the movement of animals other than bovine animals.

As far as future action is concerned, in accordance with Article 10 of Council Directive 92/102/EEC the Commission is now preparing a report on the identification and registration system of animals. All aspects of the identification of pigs, in particular those mentioned by the Honourable Member, will be taken into consideration. Based on the findings of this report, the Commission will propose any appropriate measures. The report and any proposals from the Commission will be presented to the Parliament. Additionally, Article 10 provides for a review of the possibility of introducing electronic identification arrangements.