92002E3260

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3260/02

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(19 November 2002)

Subject: Treatment of stray animals (dogs and cats) in Greece

Is the Commission aware that, in preparation for the 2004 Olympic Games, the Greek Government is planning to catch stray animals in special traps, shut them up in animal homes and, unless an owner or potential owner appears within seven days, kill them?

Will the Commission ask the Greek Government to solve this problem in a more humane way, preferably in cooperation with Greek animal welfare organisations such as CIDAG?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(14 January 2003)

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that unnecessary suffering of animals is not acceptable.

The Commission places great importance on animal welfare and the first Community regulation on this subject was established as far back as 25 years ago. The Community has adopted general rules on the rearing of animals with the view to protecting their welfare. More detailed conditions have been laid down on the rearing of calves, pigs and laying hens. The Community has also passed legislation on animal transport and the conditions for the slaughter animals.

Community rules also exist on the use of animals for scientific research. Community legislation on animal transport and on the use of animals for scientific research is applicable to cats and dogs.

However, the way stray dogs are dealt with is a matter where the Community has no general legal competence. Within the Union, this domain is under the sole responsibility of the Member States. The issue should therefore be raised with the Greek authorities.