Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

13.2.2013

The Commission is not aware of specific EU funding for dog shelters in Spain or any other Member States.

Regarding Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and stray dogs or shelters, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E‑006543/2011[1].

The Commission adopted an EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015[2]. In this framework the Commission will perform in 2014 a study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices. Based on the findings of the study, the Commission will consider if further activities are necessary with due regard for the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

• [1] http://www.europarl.europa.eu/QP-WEB
• [2] COM(2012) 6 final.

OJ C 210 E, 24/07/2013