EU legislation on the transport of dogs and cats

5.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001370-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Julie Ward (S&D)

The Commission has announced its intention to set up a sub-group dedicated to improving the enforcement of EU legislation on animal transport under the EU Platform on Animal Welfare.

Under Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, which governs the conditions under which animals should be transported, there are currently very few specific requirements concerning the transport of dogs and cats. It states (in Recital 9) that ‘specific provisions for poultry, cats and dogs will be set out in appropriate proposals when the relevant opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are available’. The opinion of the EFSA Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare on this issue was published in March 2004 (Question No. EFSA-Q-2003-094) and it includes specific recommendations on the transport of dogs and cats.

1. Does the Commission intend to add specific requirements for transporting dogs and cats in Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 to better protect their health and welfare as stipulated in Recital 9?

2. What is the timeframe envisaged by the Commission for adding these requirements?

3. What steps has the Commission taken since the publication of the EFSA opinion on the welfare of animals during transport, in particular in relation to its recommendations on dogs and cats?