Parliamentary question - P-002142/2012Parliamentary question
P-002142/2012

Illegal trade in animals

Question for written answer P-002142/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Debora Serracchiani (S&D)

With ever-greater frequency, the press cites cases of the illegal trade in animals. A recent example concerns Hungary, from where young animals are illegally trafficked and transported, in vans and other unsuitable vehicles, to other Member States such as Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

The increase in animal abandonment is one of the consequences of the uncontrolled trade in animals between Member States and is exacerbated by the illegal influx of other live animals on dilapidated means of transport. Furthermore, these animals have not had any health checks and the conditions in which they are transported put not only the health of the animals at serious risk, but also that of people who come into contact with them.

In view of the fact that the Commission is currently preparing a second European Union strategy for the protection and welfare of animals, could it state which measures it intends to adopt to prevent and curb the illicit trade in animals, in consideration of Article 8 of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals?

Can the Commission state what measures will be adopted by the European Food and Veterinary Office (FVO) to ensure that animals are traded, farmed and kept in a manner which genuinely takes animal welfare into account?

OJ C 110 E, 17/04/2013