Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

7.11.2011

The Commission is aware of the Council conclusions on the protection of dogs and cats mentioned by the Honourable Member[1].

In these conclusions, the Council called on the Commission to perform specific studies in this area, including the feasibility of establishing Union-compatible systems of identification and registration systems.

The Commission is presently preparing a new Union strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2011-2015, which is scheduled to be adopted in December 2011. In this framework the Commission will consider this matter, with due regard to the competences conferred on the Union and its institutions by the Treaties.

• [1] http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/agricult/118076.pdf

OJ C 154 E, 31/05/2012