The need for European action on companion animals
Sonja Van TichelenDirector October 2011
The need for European action on companion animals
• Eurogroup for Animals ?
• The European Union and animals
• Challenges to be solved by the EU
• What the EU does – can do – should do
• What can you do ?
• Representing animal protection to the EU • 40 animal protection groups as members• Daily contacts with EU decision makers• Working for introduction and enforcement of
EU laws• Based in Brussels : 12 expert staff
Our vision: Working for a Europe that cares for animals
• Passionate about creating a society where animal welfare is fully considered
• Every animal should live in an environment where they can perform their natural behavior
• Cruelty to animals is not tolerated • The welfare of all animals is protected by law • All EU laws are effective and prevent animal suffering• Politicians consider the impact every new policy has
on animals
P + P = P and P
Progress in animal protection
Zoo animals protected by EU law
Import ban wild-caught birds
Import ban seal products
Ban on battery cages
for eggs in 2012Sow stall ban in 2013
Improving transport and slaughter Alternatives
non-animal tests
Progress in animal protection
The European Union and animals
• EU = after WWII = peace, prosperity, cooperation • Single market : free movement of goods and
people• 27 countries take common action and decisions• Common policies agreed and defined in theTreaty• A Europe for citizens ?
One EU law = improves lives of millions of animals in 27 countries
493 Million people
23 official languages
Common policies
Public HealthConsumer protectionTransport TradeAgriculture...
The Lisbon Treaty
Founding Treaty – Agriculture Products !!!
Art 13 Lisbon Treaty: ...animals are sentient beings... Full regard to their welfare
The European Union and animals
Puppy tradePuppy trade Overpopulation Overpopulation
Dog bitesDog bites Neglect Neglect
Disease Disease Injuries Breeding Injuries Breeding defects defects
Challenges :
Challenges : Why the EU ???
1. Member states are not taking responsiblity
Animal protection groups pay the bill
2. All EU countries have similar problems
Collective efforts are needed
UK • 14 million dogs and cats• 100 rehoming centres • +70.000 abandoned animals• Cost shelters RSPCA 53 millions
France • 17 million dogs and cats• 1 million puppies sold per year• 100.000 dogs abandoned each year• Only 530 public shelters for 36.779 villages
= 70 villages per shelter • Cost Fondation: BB 2 millions
SPA 27 millions
What the EU does
Pet Passport Regulation 998/2003Animal Health requirement of non-commercial movement of pets
• Cross border or imports from non-EU countries• Travel of owner with their pets (dogs, cats, ferrets)• Protection of public and animal health • Identification but not registration • Passport required
+ compulsory rabies vaccination
New EU animal welfare strategy 2011 – 2015
Evaluation Animal welfare policy – stakeholders report
Recommendation Considering introducing pet welfare legislation at EU level in order to harmonise the variation in pet welfare legislation across the Member States and to address the range of welfare issues that affect millions of pets in Europe. A starting point could be central registration of the ownership of dogs (dog licensing) and the registration of movements of pets in Europe.
http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/welfare/actionplan/actionplan_en.htm
What the EU can –should do
• Study differences between member states regarding breeding of and trade in dogs and cats and if appropriate prepare policy options for harmonisation
• Study and propose... Systems of identification and registration...guaranteeing traceability... Fast and precise investigation.. In case of illegal trade and zoonosis
• Study and present ... Proposal to restrict exhibition of dogs and cats having undergone surgical interventions
• To develop... Appropriate actions to promote and support education concerning responsible dog and cat ownership
What the EU can do
Council of Ministers conclusions – December 2010
Calls upon the Commission to:
What the EU can –should do
Help us lobby
For lobby tips, please visit: http://eurogroupforanimals.org/
• Tell your Minister
• Tell your Member of the European Parliament
What can you do?
PATIENCEPERSISTENCE
=Progress & Protection
Thank you for your patience
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