Animal welfare and protection
27.2.2012
Question for written answer E-002181/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Niccolò Rinaldi (ALDE)
In the last month, the local press in Grosseto has highlighted various cases of cruelty to dogs, with one particular story concerning conditions in a canile lager dog pound in the village of Roccatederighi.
Unfortunately, in Italy, occurrences of this type are still remarkably frequent, whilst in Romania it is well-known that the shocking practice of extermination is used to control the population of strays, and in Spain horrifying methods are used in many of its perreras dog pounds.
In light of this:
- —Does the Commission not feel that these occurrences highlight the lack of a basic common framework for the protection of animals in the EU?
- —Does it not feel that legislation to introduce European rules on animal welfare, regulating domestic animal ownership, is desperately needed in order to put a stop to this criminal behaviour?
- —Can the Commission explain the reason why, despite the intentions stated in the answer to Written Question E‑003312/2011, it has not included dog and cat welfare in the recently‑approved European Union Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015?
OJ C 110 E, 17/04/2013