92000E1465

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1465/00

by Peter Skinner (PSE) to the Commission

(10 May 2000)

Subject: International trade in dog and cat fur

Given the increasing body of evidence indicating that an international trade in domestic cat and dog fur now exists in the EU and that this trade supposedly emanates from outside the EU reportedly Asia can the Commission inform Parliament which steps it can take to prohibit and eliminate this trade inside the EU? Furthermore, what pressure can be brought to bear to end the slaughter of domestic animals in the countries of origin where they are turned into coats or life-like statuettes?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1465/00 and P-1558/00 given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(8 June 2000)

The Commission shares the concern of the Honourable Member over the international trade in dog and cat fur, particularly concerning the possible implications for animal welfare.

The Commission has adopted a comprehensive set of legislation that covers a wide range of issues relating to animal welfare. Nothing in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules prevents the Community from taking measures which are considered essential for animal welfare, i.e. adopting high standards, within its borders. However, it is the Commission's view that the Community cannot unilaterally impose its welfare-based production standards on third countries. WTO rules do not permit the Community to prohibit products on the sole ground that they have been produced according to different welfare rules.

The adoption of international welfare-based standards in the framework of multilateral agreements may help in solving potential conflicts with trading partners. The Commission sought to ensure that the issue of animal welfare was raised in the WTO Millennium Round. However, at Seattle, the Commission had essentially no support for its animal welfare objectives. The Commission's efforts to promote them in the WTO context will continue.