Animal welfare at a public dog shelter in Ramnicu Valcea

24.1.2018

Question for written answer E-000373-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE)

In January 2018, the municipal dog shelter in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania, was set to begin the killing of 500 dogs at the behest of the local mayor. In 2009, the same mayor sanctioned the killing of 2 300 dogs in three months. This programme is unnecessary, as the shelter receives funding from many European animal welfare organisations, which have done good work in sterilising dogs and supporting local shelters. In autumn 2017 for example, one NGO funded two major dog sterilisation events, where 200 dogs at the municipal shelter and 300 dogs in the wider neighbourhood were sterilised. All of this animal protection work will go to waste if the mayor exerts his will. The only lasting solution is sterilisation campaigns and education.

In this context:

• 1.How will the Commission react to plans to kill 500 stray dogs in Ramnicu Valcea?
• 2.Has it made sure that no EU funds have been directed to these dog shelters?