Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
14.3.2011
The Commission is not aware of the practice mentioned by the Honourable Member concerning the sale of dogs on credit.
As there are no EU rules governing this particular aspect, selling dogs on credit does not seem to be in conflict with existing EU provisions.
In December 2010, the Council of the European Union called the Commission[1] to perform for the first time studies on status of welfare of dogs and cats.
This issue 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.
- [1] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_Data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/118076.pdf
OJ C 286 E, 30/09/2011