Registration, identification and uncontrolled sales of pets

6.5.2013

Question for written answer E-004938-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Mark Demesmaeker (Verts/ALE)

In some Member States, including Belgium, pets are required to be registered by means of a microchip. According to my information, however, it appears that this requirement is not always complied with and that many rescued pets do not have such a microchip, which can cause problems. At the same time, there is concern that uncontrolled animal sales, including sales via Facebook, are becoming a growing problem.

Is the Commission aware that there are differences between national provisions relating to the registration of pets?

Is the Commission aware that uncontrolled animal sales are taking place, including via Facebook?

Can the Commission say what steps it plans to take, if indeed it plans to take any, in order to introduce EU-wide registration and identification and in order to prevent uncontrolled sales?

In particular, can the Commission also say what steps have been taken in implementation of the resolutions adopted by the European Parliament on 4 July 2012 on the European Union strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015 and on the establishment of an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals, which call, among other things, for the establishment of an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals, including rules for the identification and registration of animals?

OJ C 80 E, 19/03/2014