Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

25.1.2012

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E‑006543/2011[1] on the Union's competence with regard to stray dogs.

The Commission will inform Parliament of its reply to the written Declaration No 26/2011 on dog population management in the European Union in accordance with the rules in force concerning the follow-up by the Commission regarding non-legislative resolutions of Parliament. The transmission of the Commission’s replies to resolutions adopted by Parliament at its plenary sessions is foreseen within a time limit of three months from the adoption of the resolution.

The welfare of dogs will be considered in the context of the EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals, with due regard to the principles of conferral and subsidiarity laid down in the EU treaties.

• [1] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB