Answer given by Mr Borg on behalf of the Commission
17.7.2013
The EU has no competence in providing psychological, legal or financial support to the victims of illegal traffic of dogs.
Besides transport[1] made in connection with an economic activity, there is no EU rule regarding the welfare of dogs. However, many Member States like France have adopted national rules regarding the breeding and the selling of dogs in their territory.
For both EU and national rules, implementation remains under the competence of the national competent authorities.
There are also EU provisions to protect consumers against misleading claims from traders. In particular, the fact that a trader does not inform the consumer of the animal's origin could be considered as a misleading omission under the provisions of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive[2].
In the context of the EU animal welfare strategy 2012-2015[3] the Commission plans to make a study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices. In the light of the results of the study, expected by 2014, the Commission will consider if further measures are necessary.
- [1] Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport (OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1).
- [2] Directive 2005/29/EC.
- [3] COM(2012)6 final.
OJ C 47 E, 19/02/2014