Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Ashton on behalf of the Commission
25.3.2013
With regard to the Philippines, the 1998 Animal Welfare Act provides the general framework to protect and promote the welfare of all animals in the country. The 2007 Anti-Rabies Act recognised the role played by the spread of rabies and tightened the supervising and regulating legal framework also by increasing penalties for convicted dog meat traders. However, due to continued reports on animal cruelty the Philippine Congress considers amendments to the 1998 Animal Welfare Act.
Being aware of this issue, the signed but not yet concluded EU — Philippines Partnership Cooperation Agreement includes provisions and creates a framework for dialogue and cooperation also on animal welfare which might be explored in the future based on the interest of both parties.
With reference to the transport of dogs, it is important to recall that the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has adopted international standards on the transport of animals[1].
- [1] http://www.oie.int/index.php?id=169&L=0&htmfile=chapitre_1.7.3.htm
OJ C 361 E, 11/12/2013