ICAWC 2011: Sonja Van Tichelen - European Protection for Animals

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