Answer given by Mr Kallas on behalf of the Commission

14.2.2012

1. Rules governing the carriage of dogs or other animals on trains can be different as they are only subject to the General Conditions of Carriage set by each company in accordance to the legislation in force in each Member State[1]. Nevertheless General Conditions of Carriage must respect the right of transport for Passengers with Reduced Mobility; therefore carriers have to apply non-discriminatory access rules in case of carriage of assistance dogs.

2. The Commission considers that the establishment of harmonised rules at EU level on the arrangement for the carriage of dogs or other animals on trains is not necessary at this stage.

• [1] See in particular Article 12(1) of Annex I to Regulation EC 1371/2007of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail passengers' rights and obligations (OJ L 315, 3.12.2007, p. 14).

OJ C 73 E, 13/03/2013