Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

21.1.2011

1. Breeding as such is not a subject of EC law so that Commission is not following in detail breeding requirements as referred to by the Honourable Member. The Commission is not aware of experiments on cross breeding of dogs or cats with wild species as described in the question of the Honourable Member of the Parliament.

2. Considering the above, the Commission does not have a specific position on cross-breeding pets with wild animals. Even the welfare of dogs and cats is not governed by EU rules and this matter remains under the sole competence of the Member States.

3 to 7. The Commission can not act to prevent such experiments if they comply with current EU rules but national rules may limit or ban such practices.

In November 2010, the Council of the European Union called the Commission to perform studies on the welfare of dogs and cats and. During the preparation of the conclusions the issue of cross-breeding with wild animals was not raised.

The issue of the welfare of pet animals is being considered in the context of the ongoing preparation of an impact assessment ahead of a decision on a 2011‑15 EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals.

OJ C 265 E, 09/09/2011