Puppy farming

7.10.2010

Question for written answer E-8449/2010
to the Commission
Rule 117
Glenis Willmott (S&D) and David Martin (S&D)

Is the Commission aware of the practice of puppy farming, which continues across the EU, especially in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary and Poland? The animals are mass bred and taken from their mothers very early in their development, which leaves them prone to illness and psychologically damaged. The standards they are kept in fall well short of European rules on animal welfare. The puppies are then smuggled across the EU to be sold for a cheaper price than those bred legally and raised ethically.

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure better control of the illegal trade in puppies across EU borders? Is the Commission considering regulations mandating the registration of dogs?

OJ C 249 E, 26/08/2011