On Wednesday 13 November, the Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP) organisation called for measures at the European level to ensure proper coordination between countries in the reception and rescue of exotic animals.
In the EU, there is significant demand for facilities capable of housing seized exotic animals or those to be returned to their countries of origin (see EUROPE 12270/10).
In a ‘white paper’ presented at an event at the European Parliament, the AAP requested that the European Commission present harmonised guidelines to enable Member States to develop action plans for the rescue of exotic animals. “The development of such action plans should ensure adequate government funding for rescue facilities and consistent interpretation of the rules and regulations pertaining to exotic animal rescue”, the NGO explained in a statement.
The conference at Parliament discussed the role played by rescue centres in combating illegal trade in wildlife and how the EU and its Member States can help to address the current lack of capacity and make the most of the rescue facilities currently operating in the EU. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)