Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the Commission

3.8.2016

The matter referred to by the Honourable Members is not governed by EU animal welfare rules, but falls under the sole competence of the Member States.

Legislating on this matter would not be in line with the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality as laid down in Article 5 of the Treaty on the European Union[1].

• [1] OJ C 202, 7.6.2016, p. 13.