Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission

29.3.2012

The Commission accepts that Member States may take different approaches in relation to the welfare of dogs in particular for stray dogs. However, differences in Member States' approaches do not necessarily justify EU intervention.

In particular the Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E‑006543/2011[1] regarding the competence of the Union on stray dogs.

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 whether further actions are necessary with due regard to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality.

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

OJ C 110 E, 17/04/2013