ICAWC 2014 Istanbul - European Union Activity Update by Claire Calder

1. EU Activity Update
Claire Calder
European Policy Advisor
Dogs Trust

2. Update on the
last 12 months

3. Animal Health Law
• May 2013 - Proposal
published by European
Commission
• April 2014 - European
Parliament voted on
amendments to the proposal

4. Animal Health Law
• Parliament voted for amendments requiring
all dogs to be registered by 2018
• Next steps = Council of the EU to adopt its
position
• Parliament and Council need to agree text
for the proposal to be adopted

5. EU Pets Conference
• October 2013
• First ever EU
conference on dogs
and cats
• Almost 500
delegates attended

6. EU Pets Conference
European Commission conclusions on what is
needed (based on the presentations given):
• A definition of general welfare principles and the use of
animal welfare indicators for dogs and cats;
• A pan-European network of reference centres that
could include cats and dogs in its scope;
• Basic requirements for EU competence for companion
animals

7. EU Pets Conference
• Conference also launched a study into the
welfare of dogs and cats involved in
commercial practices.
• Based on the conference's proceedings and
the outcome of the study, the Commission
will consider what further action is necessary.

8. EU study on dogs and cats
Objective = to determine the extent to which
the EU should take initiatives to protect the
welfare of dogs and cats involved in
commercial practices.

9. EU study on dogs and cats
• 1 year study,
which started in
Feb 2014
•12 EU countries
included

10. EU study on dogs and cats
• Online surveys for breeders, dog and cat
dealers, NGOs, vets, citizens etc. went live
July 2014
• Will report in 2015 and provide options for
possible EU actions regarding the breeding,
keeping and trade of dogs and cats.

11. Upcoming
opportunities

12. Ongoing activities
• Animal Health Law
• Study on dogs and cats
• 2nd
EU pets conference?

13. Veterinary Medicines and
Medicated Feed
• Pair of proposals adopted by European
Commission in September 2014
• The proposal on veterinary medicinal
products aims in particular to make more
medicines available in the EU to treat and
prevent diseases in animals.

14. Veterinary Medicines and
Medicated Feed
• The proposal on the modernisation of
medicated feed legislation now includes feed
for pets in its scope.

15. Veterinary Medicines and
Medicated Feed
• Next step = European Parliament and
Council of the EU to consider Commission
proposals and adopt their positions
• We are also assessing the proposals

16. EU Dog and Cat
Alliance

17. EU Dog and Cat Alliance
• Alliance of organisations working to protect
dog and cat welfare
• Members from across the EU
• Members all sign a Charter to agree to the
Memorandum of Understanding
• Membership is free!

18. Aims
• Lobby the EU to introduce and improve EU
legislation in relation to dog and cats
• Engage with other key EU stakeholders and
collaborate wherever possible
• Provide a forum for the sharing of information
• Commission research, produce reports and
briefings for EU lobbying etc.

19. Members
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20. Key issues for the Alliance
• Commercial Breeding and Trade
• Movements across Member State borders
• Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed
Note: it is not currently planned to work on stray animal
welfare issues, as this is not in EU competence

21. Website
www.dogandcatwelfare.eu
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members only area]

22. Follow us on Twitter
@EUdogsandcats
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finalised]

23. Any more questions?
Email us on:
info@dogandcatwelfare.eu