Update on the Written Declaration 26 on dog population management in the EU

Posted on 28/09/2011

Following today's session at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, we've now collected 285 support signatures to the Written Declaration 26/2011 on dog population management in the European Union. The good news is that deadline is extended until Thursday 13 October! However, 84 signatures are still needed. Eurogroup therefore urges you contact your own Member of the European Parliament and urge them to sign the Written Declaration before 13 October 2011, when it will lapse.

• Written Declaration 26/2011, what for?

The declaration asks Member States to adopt comprehensive dog population management strategies which include measures such as dog control and anti-cruelty laws, support for veterinary procedures including rabies vaccination and sterilisation as necessary to control the number of unwanted dogs, and the promotion of responsible pet ownership.

The Declaration also calls on the European Commission to encourage all Member States to introduce the mandatory identification and registration of every dog, by means of a EU-wide compatible system, in order to avoid the spread of disease.

• What happens if not enough MEPs sign the declaration?

The declaration lapses, which means that it cannot be presented to the European Commission on behalf of the European Parliament and no action will result. This means the issue of dogs and cats will not be addressed by the European Institutions.

• How can I help?

Contact your own MEP and urge them to sign the Written Declaration before 6 October 2011, when it will lapse.

• Resources

Download the Written Declaration 26 in your own language here
Download the contact table of MEPs who haven't signed the declaration yet here
Download the list of MEPs who have signed the declaration