Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
26.8.2010
Regulation (EU) No 388/2010[1] provides that where the total number of pet dogs, cats and ferrets moved from one Member State to another or from certain third countries exceeds five, they are subject to a pre-movement clinical examination and their fitness to travel is certified by an authorised veterinarian.
This regulation may affect the movement of animals in view of participation in sporting events in number higher than five.
Initial experience in the application of Regulation (EU) No 388/2010 would indicate that in specific cases certain requirements would be disproportionate. The Commission is gathering information on the implementation of Regulation (EU) No 388/2010 and on the problems mentioned by the Honourable Member. The matter has already been discussed with the Member States in the framework of the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH). The Committee has suggested that the problem that has recently emerged could be solved by reducing the administrative burden linked to the implementation of the current provisions. In line with the indication received at the SCOFCAH meeting, the Commission is now considering the most suitable option to address the problem, while ensuring a legal framework suitable to reduce the risk of illegal movement of pets as recently highlighted by the Parliament in Written Questions E‑3787/2009, E‑1772/2010, E‑2915/2010 and P‑4720/2010[2].
- [1] Commission Regulation (EU) No 388/2010 implementing Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the maximum number of pet animals of certain species that may be the subject of non-commercial movement, OJ L 114, 7.5.2010.
- [2] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
OJ C 191 E, 01/07/2011