Document type Written answer from the European Commission
Authors: question: Jiří Pospíšil (PPE), Stanislav Polčák (PPE). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Identification and registration of all cats and dogs
The origins of strays are well known: they are animals that are lost, abandoned or born stray. While they do not fall within the scope of the EU’s competences, the roots and implications of their management touch on matters of EU concern. Examples include when national authorities use EU funding (such as from the Cohesion Fund or for disease surveillance and control, including to align with the EU acquis) to implement projects that may involve inhumane and unsustainable practices and solutions. It is noteworthy, in this regard, that the World Organisation for Animal Health recommends dog identification and registration, plus reproduction control through sterilisation.There are other economic aspects relating to strays; indeed, management projects are subject to competitions and assigned to contractors that are often remunerated pro rata based on the number of animals caught, treated and/or transported. Furthermore, just like animals that are bred, all strays could be rehomed at any point in their lifespan, in which case registration under the new owner would likely apply. Rehoming, whether or not a fee is paid, is an economic activity in the internal market. 1. Does the Commission share the view that any cat or dog could be subject to an economic activity and that proactive regulatory measures like identification and registration should therefore apply by default.
Answer: The Commission does not share the view that any dog and cat will necessarily be subject to an economic activity, as a non-negligible number of these animals are not traded but kept by private owners for private purposes. However, identification and registration of dogs and cats is an essential requirement in the EU that has been developed within the framework of the animal health legislation[1], which prime aim is to ensure the prevention and control of animal diseases that are transmissible to animals or to humans. This set of rules covers the movement of dogs and cats kept by humans, within and into the EU, while preventing the risk of transmission of serious diseases such as rabies. Whatever the purpose of the movement (i.e. for sale or transfer of the ownership of the animal, or for private reasons with the pet owner), such animals must meet a series of specific conditions, which already includes that to be individually marked with a transponder.
