Canine euthanasia bill
11.5.2010
WRITTEN QUESTION E-3631/10
by Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D)
to the Commission
Last week, the prefect of Bucharest tabled a bill to Parliament concerning the euthanasia of stray dogs, which would cost around EUR 100000, the justification for this measure being that it is less costly than keeping stray dogs in shelters or sterilising them.
The proposed legislation would also restrict the possibilities for adoption, unclaimed dogs being automatically put to sleep after seven days.
The serious problem of stray dogs in Bucharest has been allowed to get out of hand as a result of failure by the authorities to act sufficiently promptly in implementing a stray dog sterilisation programme and now poses a threat to public health and safety.
However, the solution now being proposed has sparked off a wave of protest in Romania and other EU Member States.
In view of this:
- 1.What measures are being envisaged by the Commission to encourage exchanges of good practices between the EU Member States regarding the welfare of animals other than farm animals?
- 2.Does the Commission intend to create a harmonised European framework of legislative provisions concerning the welfare of animals other than farm animals?
- 3.Are the provisions of the bill regarding the euthanasia of stray dogs in Bucharest in accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty, which states that ‘the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage’?
- 4.In the Commission’s opinion, what is the most effective approach to the problem of stray dogs — with a view to finding a long-term solution — taking account of the need to give priority to human health and safety as well as ensuring respect for animal rights, in accordance with not only the spirit of EC law but also established practice and experience in the Member States?
OJ C 170 E, 10/06/2011