Correspondence on the treatment of stray dogs in EU member states

I  wrote to my MEPs asking for their support in getting the EU to insist that its member states treat all animals humanely, in particular in their manner of addressing the treatment of stray dogs.  Catherine Bearder MEP responded within 24 hours, she has very kindly agreed to me publishing her reply. Both letters are included below. 

9 April 2014

Dear Ms Hudson,

Thank you for your email about the appalling situation of stray dogs in
Romania and Bulgaria.

Unfortunately, at present the European Union has no laws to protect
companion and domestic animals.  It only requires, for health reasons, pets
which are travelling with their owners and passing borders to be permanently
identified, vaccinated and to have a pet passport.

The European Parliament therefore adopted a resolution in October 2011, on
dog population management and responsible pet ownership, which became its
official position.  It called on the Commission to encourage all Member
States to introduce rules for the identification and registration of
animals, stray animal management strategies, measures to promote responsible
ownership, the prohibition of unlicensed kennels and shelters, the
prohibition of the killing of stray animals without medical indication and
severe sanctions to be imposed on any Member State which fails to comply
with the rules and to include vaccination and sterilisation programmes.

The Parliament has been since repeating its calls for action to be taken to
safeguard welfare of stray animals.  It is a basic premise of a civilised
society to treat animals with respect.

As a strong campaigner for animal welfare I have always supported raising
standards for animals across the EU.  While stray dogs in particular pose a
genuine threat to human safety, we must insist on a solution which respects
animal welfare.  Along with my other Liberal Democrat colleagues including
Fiona Hall, I will continue campaigning for the welfare of stray animals to
be improved as it is high time we bring an end to this unnecessary suffering
of animals.  We need a much tougher strategy that will, as well as
protecting animals, help manage the number of unwanted dogs.  There needs to
be support for rabies injections and sterilisation, and the promotion of
responsible dog ownership.  Along with these preventative steps, we need
anti-cruelty laws to ensure the unfortunate cats and dogs which find
themselves as strays are dealt with in a humane manner."

In addition, I have been working on legislation relating to the collection
from the wild, importation and sale and care of wild animals as pets, and we
expect the Commission to come forward with new proposals before the end of
this parliament.  I will be paying particular attention to this issue.

I will continue to monitor the situation closely and fight to protect animal
rights wherever possible.  In the meantime, if you feel there is anything
further I can do to be of assistance then please do not hesitate to get in
touch with me again.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Bearder MEP

_______________________________________________________________________________

8 April 2014

Dear MEPs

I have read with great distress of the sickening treatment of stray
dogs in Romania and Bulgaria.

I understand that stray dogs can create problems. However control of
these dogs should include rehoming incentives, neutering and humane
treatment.  It must never involve torture, abuse and cruelty. Dogs in
both countries are burned alive, nailed up alive, hung, shot, dragged
behind vehicles, beaten and have their paws cut off - these are just
some of the atrocities against these poor animals.

As member countries of the EU both these countries are now in receipt
of EU funds. We cannot and must not allow these funds to be used to pay
security forces to carry out such sickening cruelty, nor for
governments / government agents to entreat the general population to
behave in such a manner.  I also believe we are wrong in doing nothing
whilst any such cruelty is a matter of course. 

I would ask that you request both governments to introduce programmes
which address the problem with a long-term and humane solution
immediately.

Yours sincerely,

Vivienne Hudson