Live burial of pigs in the People's Republic of China

28.1.2019

Question for written answer E-000449-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Annie Schreijer-Pierik (PPE)

In the People’s Republic of China, efforts to ‘control’ the African swine fever (ASF) virus include burying domesticated pigs alive. This condemns the animals to a cruel death, as shown by convincing video evidence and witness statements[1].

In view of these events:

• 1.Does the Commission[2] condemn these acts of cruelty against sentient creatures, and will it call on the Chinese authorities to stop these practices immediately?
• 2.Will the Commission swiftly raise these cruel acts and other animal welfare violations in China and incorporate appropriate preventive animal welfare provisions in bilateral trade agreements between the European Union and the People’s Republic of China, as called for by Parliament[3]?
• 3.What is the Commission’s assessment of the risks to long-term ASF biosecurity associated with the cruel practice of mass live burial of livestock that may be infected with ASF, in view of the long survival period of this highly contagious virus in lifeless material and the intensive trade relations, imports and frequent journeys between China and the Union?

• [1] T. Roos, ‘In China begraven ze geruimde varkens levend’ in: Reformatorisch Dagblad, 25 January 2019; https://www.rd.nl/vandaag/economie/in-china-begraven-ze-geruimde-varkens-levend-1.1542887
• [2] Bearing in mind Article 13 TFEU.
• [3] European Parliament resolution of 12 September 2018 on the state of EU-China relations (2017/2274(INI)).