EU Activity Update Claire Calder European Policy Advisor Dogs Trust
Dec 05, 2014
EU Activity Update
Claire Calder
European Policy Advisor
Dogs Trust
Update on the last 12 months
Animal Health Law
• May 2013 - Proposal published by European Commission
• April 2014 - European Parliament voted on amendments to the proposal
Animal Health Law
• Parliament voted for amendments requiring all dogs to be registered by 2018
• Next steps = Council of the EU to adopt its position
• Parliament and Council need to agree text for the proposal to be adopted
EU Pets Conference
• October 2013
• First ever EU conference on dogs and cats
• Almost 500 delegates attended
EU Pets Conference
European Commission conclusions on what is needed (based on the presentations given):
• A definition of general welfare principles and the use of animal welfare indicators for dogs and cats;
• A pan-European network of reference centres that could include cats and dogs in its scope;
• Basic requirements for EU competence for companion animals
EU Pets Conference
• Conference also launched a study into the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices.
• Based on the conference's proceedings and the outcome of the study, the Commission will consider what further action is necessary.
EU study on dogs and cats
Objective = to determine the extent to which the EU should take initiatives to protect the
welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices.
EU study on dogs and cats
• 1 year study, which started in Feb 2014
•12 EU countries included
EU study on dogs and cats
• Online surveys for breeders, dog and cat dealers, NGOs, vets, citizens etc. went live July 2014
• Will report in 2015 and provide options for possible EU actions regarding the breeding, keeping and trade of dogs and cats.
Upcoming opportunities
Ongoing activities
• Animal Health Law
• Study on dogs and cats
• 2nd EU pets conference?
Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed
• Pair of proposals adopted by European Commission in September 2014
• The proposal on veterinary medicinal products aims in particular to make more medicines available in the EU to treat and prevent diseases in animals.
Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed
• The proposal on the modernisation of medicated feed legislation now includes feed for pets in its scope.
Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed
• Next step = European Parliament and Council of the EU to consider Commission proposals and adopt their positions
• We are also assessing the proposals
EU Dog and Cat Alliance
EU Dog and Cat Alliance
• Alliance of organisations working to protect dog and cat welfare
• Members from across the EU
• Members all sign a Charter to agree to the Memorandum of Understanding
• Membership is free!
Aims
• Lobby the EU to introduce and improve EU legislation in relation to dog and cats
• Engage with other key EU stakeholders and collaborate wherever possible
• Provide a forum for the sharing of information
• Commission research, produce reports and briefings for EU lobbying etc.
Members
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Key issues for the Alliance
• Commercial Breeding and Trade
• Movements across Member State borders
• Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed
Note: it is not currently planned to work on stray animal welfare issues, as this is not in EU competence
Website
www.dogandcatwelfare.eu
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Follow us on Twitter
@EUdogsandcats
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