Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
13.5.2011
The Commission is aware that there are differences in national provisions for presenting dogs and cats for sale.
Since there is no EU legislation applicable to the protection of dogs and cats presented for sale, Member States are allowed to enact national provisions, provided that they are in line with the obligations incumbent upon them under the Treaties.
However, in November 2010, the Council of the European Union called upon the Commission to perform studies on the welfare of dogs and cats[1].
The issue of the welfare of dogs and cats is being considered in the context of the ongoing preparation of an impact assessment in the context of a Communication to the European Parliament and the Council on the second EU strategy for animal welfare of animals for the period 2011‑15.
- [1] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/118076.pdf
OJ C 314 E, 27/10/2011