1. The Commission is not aware of ‘animal control units’ killing stray dogs in Romania.

2. The Commission is aware that the control of the stray dog population in Romania is problematic for different reasons including the welfare of the stray dogs. However this matter is not governed by EU rules and remains under the sole responsibility of the Member State concerned.

The EU has actively supported the adoption of international guidelines for the control of stray dog populations by the World Organisation for Animal Health(1). The guidelines recommend the killing of animals should not be used as a unique method for controlling the dog population and in any case should be performed by using humane methods of killing.

3. The Commission is not aware of misuse of EU funds in relation to the killing of dogs in Romania.

4. As the Commission has not received specific evidence or information on possible misuse of EU funds in relation to the killing of stray dogs in Romania, the Commission has no possibility to investigate this field. However if the Honourable Member possesses more information on this matter, the Commission would be grateful to receive them as to conduct proper investigation.

(1) http://www.oie.int/index.php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitre_1.7.7.htm