MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on mandatory sterilisation of dogs and cats

31.1.2018

pursuant to Rule 133 of the Rules of Procedure

Ivan Jakovčić

B8‑0073/2018

Motion for a European Parliament resolution on mandatory sterilisation of dogs and cats

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 133 of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas according to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), animals are sentient beings and the EU and its Member States must therefore pay full regard to their welfare requirements;

B.  whereas Europe’s shelters are full of unwanted animals and whereas an estimated 100 million free-roaming dogs and twice as many cats live in the Member States;

C.  whereas in some Member States, stray dogs pose a threat to public health and safety;

D.  whereas the one-time cost of spaying or neutering is far lower than the expense involved in rounding up strays, feeding and housing abandoned animals and euthanising those for whom homes cannot be found;

1.  Calls on the Member States to adopt comprehensive companion animal management strategies, including sterilisation as necessary to control the number of unwanted dogs and cats and the promotion of responsible pet ownership;

2.  Calls on regional and local authorities to make spaying and neutering mandatory for dogs and cats unless the caretaker has a breeding permit;

3.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.