On Tuesday 21 January MEPs on the European Parliament Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety called for action to stop the illegal trade in pets such as cats and dogs.
Members of the committee adopted a draft resolution, which could be voted on in the Parliamentary plenary in February, on protecting the EU internal market and consumer rights from the harmful consequences of pet trafficking.
The draft resolution calls on the European Commission to draw up a ‘cross-sectoral’ action plan at EU level to “stop pet trafficking in the EU”.
The text calls for a series of measures to combat the illegal trade in pets, including : - an EU Action Plan clearly setting out responsibilities; - a Commission proposal to set up a mandatory EU-wide system to identify and register cats and dogs; - an EU definition of large-scale commercial breeding facilities known as puppy mills; - improved law enforcement and tougher sanctions for those involved (veterinarians, national public services, economic operators); - better cooperation, communication and training for customs and veterinary authorities; - encouraging people to adopt, rather than purchase, pets.
The resolution was adopted in committee with 66 votes in favour, none against and 3 abstentions.
To consult the draft resolution: https://bit.ly/2sO9Mhg (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)