Answer given by Mr Dalli on behalf of the Commission
16.7.2010
1. The Commission is not aware of the situation mentioned by the Honourable Member.
2 and 3. In relation to stray dogs, no EU harmonised legislation is in place and the matter falls under the sole responsibility of the Member States.
However, the Commission has actively supported the work performed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to develop specific guidelines for the control of stray dog populations and for promoting its implementation.
The Commission is also convinced that some unacceptable practices are due to a lack of basic education on the welfare of animals. To this effect, the Commission will organise in October 2010 the first international conference on education and animal welfare.
Furthermore the Commission is cooperating with other organisations to the development of the ‘carodog’ website[1] which will be an information system for canine population knowledge management leading to responsible dog ownership.
More information on this issue is also provided in the Commission's reply to Question E‑3631/10 by Ms Sârbu[2].
OJ C 191 E, 01/07/2011