Document type Response from the European Commission to question E-003639/2023
Authors: question: Niels Fugland (S&D). Answer: Mrs Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question:Elite equestrian sport and animal welfare
As stated in Article 5 of the EU Treaty [1], animals are sentient beings and must be treated accordingly. However, a number of cases have revealed how animal welfare in the EU is lagging behind. Animal welfare in elite equestrian sport is one topical example. A new documentary from TV2 [2 ] in Denmark shows how conditions of horses in one of the world's largest sales stables, Helgstrand Dressage, are not in keeping with animal welfare ethics. With regard to horses, examples of poor animal welfare were also seen at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics [3].
In the light of the above:
1. is the Commission aware of the animal welfare problems in equestrian sport?
2. is the Commission considering introducing measures to ensure proper animal welfare in equestrian sport?
3. is the Commission considering introducing measures in line with the French Parliament's recommendations [4 ]?
[1]https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DA/TXT/?uri=celex%3A12016E013
[2]https://nyheder.tv2.dk/samfund/2023-11-20-operation-x-afsloerer-voldsom-behandling-af-heste-hos-milliardaer
[3]https://horsesandpeople.com.au/french-parliament-calls-for-horse-welfare-overhaul-at-paris-2024/?fbclid=IwAR0G-o9vA4dPHNb5LW3M8rMmleulRD-e2vJ2YnFxzpM3rRd6TZt3k_MKASE
[4]https://horsesandpeople.com.au/french-parliament-calls-for-horse-welfare-overhaul-at-paris-2024/?fbclid=IwAR0G-o9vA4dPHNb5LW3M8rMmleulRD-e2vJ2YnFxzpM3rRd6TZt3k_MKASE
Answer: The welfare of Equidae is currently covered by Directive 98/58/EC [1] concerning the protection of animals for farming purposes which contains general provisions for all farmed animals.
Directive 98/58/EC is only applicable to farmed animals and not to animals intended for use in competitions, shows, cultural or sporting events or activities, such as equestrian sports. The welfare of Equidae used for such activities is subject to Member States’ national legislation.
As announced in the Farm to Fork Strategy [2], the Commission is working on a revision of the EU animal welfare legislation, in order to align it with the latest scientific evidence, broaden its scope, make it easier to enforce and ultimately to ensure a higher level of animal welfare. This revision process includes a revision of Directive 98/58/EC.
The Commission promotes a high level of animal welfare via different means, including through the EU Animal Welfare Platform.
Under that Platform, a voluntary initiative on responsible ownership and care of Equidae has produced a guide to good animal welfare practices for the keeping, care, training and use of horses [3], which covers equestrian sports, as well as a series of fact sheets [4]. While these documents do not represent the official position of the Commission, they were endorsed by the Platform and provide useful tools to guide relevant stakeholders.
In addition, the Commission is engaging in discussions with the International Federation for Equestrian Sports and other actors representing equestrian sports to encourage communication around horse welfare in equestrian sports.
[1]Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes, OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23.
[2]Communication from the Commission "A farm-to-table strategy for a fair, healthy and environment-friendly food system", COM/2020/381 final.
[3]https://food.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2022-07/aw_platform_plat-conc_guide_equidae_en.pdf
[4]https://food.ec.europa.eu/animals/animal-welfare/eu-platform-animal-welfare/platform-conclusions_en#equidae
