91997E2349

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2349/97 by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission (10 July 1997)

Subject: Use of stray dogs for vivisection in Portugal - Directive 86/609/EEC

Could the Commission give an update on the infringement proceedings initiated against Portugal (Complaint No 94/4735) in respect of its failure to enforce Directive 86/609/EEC ((OJ L 358, 18.12.1986, p. 1. )), with particular reference to the alleged use of stray dogs for experiments?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (5 September 1997)

In the context of the investigation of complaint 94/4735, the Commission contacted the Portuguese authorities on 4 April 1997. In their answer dated 30 May 1997, the Portuguese authorities state that on the (main) issue of the alleged use of stray dogs for experiments in two research institutes (HUC, Coimbra and IHMT in Lisbon) the inspections which were made confirmed that stray dogs were being used in scientific experiments. Their use was suspended by the competent authority, the Instituto de protecçao agro-alimenar. The HUC no longer uses dogs in scientific experiments while the IHMT only resorts to beagles. On the issue of keeping the animals in unsuitable installations, works have started to upgrade the current installations in both institutes to render them compatible with Community law.

The Commission does not intend to pursue the proceedings on the first issue as the problem seems to have been solved. On the issue of the availability of suitable installations, the Commission is currently assessing the alternatives available in order to tackle the remaining problems.