At the Agriculture Council on Monday 24 February, Slovakia took the view that the regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats could have a significant impact on the breeding of hunting dog breeds (this issue is governed by national legislation).
Slovakia has reported cases all over the world where breeds of dog that are not intended or suitable for hunting have been misused. “In some cases, hunting dogs are often bred in poor conditions and, at the end of the hunting season, when they are no longer fast enough or no longer fulfil their specific function, they are abandoned or killed”, according to a note from this delegation.
Slovenia supported Slovakia’s concerns about the situation of hunting dogs. Rules are needed, according to Slovenia. Italy has called for harmonised rules to combat the illegal puppy trade and unfair competition. The European Commission has taken the view that, as part of the proposal to protect the welfare of dogs and cats, hunting dogs should be protected in the same way as other dogs. It called on EU countries to legislate to deal with the problem of shot hunting dogs. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)