Identification and registration of all cats and dogs
23.5.2023
Question for written answer E-001629/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jiří Pospíšil (PPE), Stanislav Polčák (PPE)
The origins of strays are well known: they are animals that are lost, abandoned or born stray. While they do not fall within the scope of the EU’s competences, the roots and implications of their management touch on matters of EU concern. Examples include when national authorities use EU funding (such as from the Cohesion Fund or for disease surveillance and control, including to align with the EU acquis) to implement projects that may involve inhumane and unsustainable practices and solutions. It is noteworthy, in this regard, that the World Organisation for Animal Health recommends dog identification and registration, plus reproduction control through sterilisation.
There are other economic aspects relating to strays; indeed, management projects are subject to competitions and assigned to contractors that are often remunerated pro rata based on the number of animals caught, treated and/or transported. Furthermore, just like animals that are bred, all strays could be rehomed at any point in their lifespan, in which case registration under the new owner would likely apply. Rehoming, whether or not a fee is paid, is an economic activity in the internal market.
- 1.Does the Commission share the view that any cat or dog could be subject to an economic activity and that proactive regulatory measures like identification and registration should therefore apply by default?
Submitted: 24.5.2023