91998E1996

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1996/98

by Anita Pollack (PSE) to the Commission

(30 June 1998)

Subject: Export of greyhounds within Europe

What efforts are being made by the Commission to ensure the welfare of greyhounds when they are exported from one EU country to another and to monitor the conditions under which they are raced? And what steps are being taken to ensure that the subsidies given to Irish breeders are used in a manner which does not perpetuate cruelty?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(20 July 1998)

The transport of greyhounds from one Member State to another for racing purposes should respect the conditions laid down in Council Directive 91/628/EEC as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 concerning the protection of animals during transport(1).

The animal welfare conditions under which greyhounds are kept and raced within a Member State are not regulated by Community law and in consequence this aspect is a matter within the sole jurisdiction of the Member State concerned.

In relation to the subsidies in Ireland, investments were aimed at improving the housing for greyhounds. However, in the meantime, it has been agreed with the Irish authorities that no subsidies will be provided under the Operational programme for agriculture, rural development and forestry scheme 1994-1999 to finance greyhound breeding.

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.