Parliamentary question - E-9622/2010Parliamentary question
E-9622/2010

Infringements to the provisions of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport

Question for written answer E-9622/2010
to the Commission
Rule 117
Anneli Jäätteenmäki (ALDE) , Heidi Hautala (Verts/ALE) , Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE) and Satu Hassi (Verts/ALE)

Article 25 of Regulation (EC) 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport states that: ‘The Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of the provisions of this regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive’.

Reports by NGOs, however, show that in some countries, official veterinarians or police forces have no right to give penalties on the spot in cases of infringement and merely write tickets that are transmitted to justice officials for follow-up and a decision on a financial fine.

Is the Commission aware of the number of infringements for which only a ticket is given, without immediate sanction?

If not, what action does the Commission intend to take in order to get this information?

If this information is available, could the Commission state what percentage of those tickets is effectively processed, resulting in a fine?

As it seems that a significant number of these fines are not paid, could the Commission state what percentage is effectively paid?

OJ C 265 E, 09/09/2011