MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on an animal welfare strategy

24.11.2015 - (2015/2957(RSP))

further to Question for Oral Answer B8-1107/2015
pursuant to Rule 128(5) of the Rules of Procedure

James Nicholson, Richard Ashworth, Daniel Dalton, Julie Girling on behalf of the ECR Group

See also joint motion for a resolution RC-B8-1278/2015

B8-1283/2015

European Parliament resolution on an animal welfare strategy

(2015/2957(RSP))

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the Commission Communication of 15 February 2012 on the European Union Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015 (COM(2012)0006/2),

–  having regard to Rule 128(5) and 123(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas European legislation in the field of animal welfare contributes to a level playing field within the Union and thereby to a well-functioning internal market;

B.  whereas national rules on animal welfare must not be contrary to the principles of the EU single market;

C.  whereas animal welfare is closely interrelated with animal and public health;

1.  Urges the Commission to implement, without delay, the points outstanding from the European Union Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012 - 2015;

2.  Urges the Commission to draw up a new and ambitious strategy for the protection and welfare of animals for the years 2016-2020 in order to build on the work of the previous Strategy and ensure the continuation of a framework to deliver high animal welfare standards across the Member States;

3.  Urges the Commission, where there is clear scientific evidence demonstrating animal welfare problems, to adapt policy instruments or introduce new ones to resolve these problems;

4.  Expresses its concern about the effective implementation and enforcement of current EU legislation relating to the welfare of animals and stresses that improving enforcement of and compliance with existing legislation should be the key goal with all animal health and welfare rules;

5.  Urges the Commission, at the same time, to be more ambitious in including and prioritising reciprocity of animal welfare standards, as a non-trade concern in its trade policy and when negotiating international trade agreements, and to promote animal welfare in third countries by requiring equivalent welfare standards for imported animals and products accompanied by strict controls;

6.  Stresses that Article 13 of the TFEU is of general application, horizontal, and as such, is as important as the provisions for agriculture, the environment or consumer protection;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.