91999E0108

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0108/99

by Cristiana Muscardini (NI) to the Commission

(2 February 1999)

Subject: Widespread killing of animals with poisoned bait

The phenomenon of the poisoning of animals is taking on worrying proportions in Italy.

Even the situation in cities is no better than elsewhere. Dogs and cats kept as pets are dying as a result of the illegal use of poisoned bait.

Although no precise data are available on the real extent of the phenomenon, considerable damage is clearly being done to the environment and wildlife.

The use of poisoned bait is illegal and in Italy the law specifically prohibits the use of such methods and provides for sanctions under criminal law.

Can the Commission set up a network to check and monitor the measures taken to protect animals and the environment?

Can the Commission call on all the Member States to tackle the problem by urging their citizens to report offences committed by private individuals or companies, perhaps by setting up a special free telephone service, as this would make it possible to set up a security network to protect animals and the environment?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission

(15 March 1999)

The Community competence is restricted only to cases related to species of wild fauna and flora of Community importance listed in the Annexes to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds(1) and 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the Conservation of natural habitat and of wild fauna and flora(2). Thus, domestic animals such as cats and dogs are not included.

The Commission is aware that the use of poisoned bait may cause accidental deaths of species of Community importance. Only for those species, the Commission, in strict collaboration with national authorities, may intervene when a specific case is brought to its knowledge.

For those species, the Commission also supports a preventive approach financing various nature conservation projects under Life-Nature(3) that include actions targeting the control of illegal activities, (through wardening and awareness raising campaigns, ...).

The proposed network to monitor and control the use of poisoned bait does not fall under Community competence.

(1) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, modified by OJ L 59, 8.3.1996.

(2) OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, modified by OJ L 31, 6.2.1998.

(3) OJ L 181, 20.7.1996.