Public consultation on Invasive Alien Species

Posted on 02/04/2012

The European Commission is seeking public input on possible measures for a legislative instrument to address Invasive Alien Species (IAS). Eurogroup for Animals is calling on our supporters to advocate for strong preventive measures to limit the import, trade, sale and keeping of invasive animal species.

Over 11,000 alien species have been found in the European environment with 10-15 % becoming invasive. The majority of invasive vertebrate animal species in Europe were introduced intentionally for direct release into the environment or for keeping in a captive environment from which animals escaped or were released.

Prevention is the most cost-effective, humaneand environmentally friendly strategy for addressing invasive alien species.The most precautionary approach would be to restrict the import, trade, sale, keeping and release of species unless they have been scientifically proven to not pose an invasive risk.

If an established invasive alien species must be managed, we believe the best humane method must be implemented emphasizing controls that avoid or minimise pain, suffering and distress to target and non-target animals. Existing EU financial instruments should be further integrated into IAS policy, with user fees, taxes on pathways and the polluter pays principles applied to cases of identified deliberate and negligent release of Invasive Alien Species (IAS).

Education of potential customers on the risks and impacts of IAS and coordination with key sectors (e.g. pet traders) to establish codes of conduct and shift markets to low risk species is vitally necessary to reduce the threat of introducing exotic animals to Europe.

Online questionnaire

We encourage our members and the public who care about biodiversity and animal welfare to contribute to the open consultation. The questionnaire contains only 11 multiple choice questions providing a chance to give your opinion without taking up a lot of your time.

{pt_widgets}