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Parliamentary question - E-004661/2014Parliamentary question
E-004661/2014

Silent slaughter of greyhounds in Europe

Question for written answer E-004661-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Sergio Paolo Francesco Silvestris (PPE) , Oreste Rossi (PPE)

Although no official figures are kept, it is estimated that, each year, some 100 000 greyhounds are killed in Europe. Greyhound racing is legal in various EU Member States, where, however, they are regarded not so much as pets but rather as equivalent to livestock. This information comes from a number of organisations which have been set up to protect this breed of dog. They are treated as property, to be used for hunting and racing, after which they are disposed of once they are no longer fit for these purposes. The associations state that the most common methods of killing them are hanging, abandonment, shooting or a blow to the head.

Various Italian associations are working to protect these animals from death and to arrange new homes for them by means of foster care or adoption, as well as to raise public awareness.

1. Is the Commission aware of this ‘silent slaughter’?

2. Does the Commission know of any other associations in other Member States which have the aim of protecting and defending greyhounds?

3. Does the Commission have any data confirming the above figures?

OJ C 402, 13/11/2014