Treatment of dogs in Serbia

10.7.2013

Question for written answer E-008288-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Jill Evans (Verts/ALE)

The appalling conditions at the Naš Dom state dog shelter in Požega, Serbia, and the treatment of the dogs there has been brought to my attention by one of my constituents. This treatment not only contravenes EU animal welfare laws but also Serbia’s domestic laws.

From the information I received it was reported that the dogs suffer cruelty at the hands of the workers: they are starved to death and beaten to death with clubs in an attempt to save money by reducing the number of dogs that are killed by the expensive toxin T61. They are brutally sterilised by unqualified veterinary assistants and many die as a consequence of this butchery. The conditions are filthy and many of the dead dogs are left in the same cage as other dogs. Due to this brutal abuse, it is reported that the dogs are extremely nervous and scared.

Over the past few months, there have been a number of discussions regarding the process of accession of potential future Member States of the EU, including Serbia. It would seem that much positive action will be needed on their part in order to fulfil the acquis for consideration in the area of animal welfare.

— Does the Commission condemn the state’s treatment of dogs?

— Does the Commission agree that action must be taken in response to the contravention of EU animal welfare laws?

— What steps will the Commission take to ensure that positive action is taken by the Serbian state to improve these conditions and hold those responsible accountable for their actions with regard to the state’s potential accession to the EU?

OJ C 65 E, 05/03/2014