STAMP OUT DOG-FIGHTING HORROR - LIZ LYNNE
December 13, 2007 12:00 AM
Action at EU level would be an effective way of stamping out the appalling subculture of dog-fighting which exists across Europe exposed in a recent television programme, according to a local Liberal Democrat Euro MP.
Liz Lynne MEP, has signed a strongly-worded Written Declaration (similar to an Early Day Motion at Westminster) which describes the so-called sport as 'barbaric' and 'devoid of any legitimate aspect of sport'. If signed by over half of MEPs, before it lapses in January, the subject will be debated in the European Parliament.
Speaking today Liz Lynne said:
"While we tend to think of this 'sport' as the domain of a minority of criminal gangs, the recent conviction of high-profile sports stars and the Panorama programme show us that it is far more widespread than previously thought. This is a world-wide problem where the EU can take tough action.
"The EU has some structures already in place such as the pet passport scheme; this is improving controls but it has been made a mockery of by those who know how to abuse it; illegally transporting dangerous dogs by declaring them as a different breed. More stringent controls and penalties must put a stop to this.
"The European Commission's Animal Welfare Action Plan similarly has good intentions but needs to be expanded to include protection of all animals, not just on farms or in research facilities. Well cared-for animals are not just a moral or ethical issue, but also a matter of public health and safety, as recent attacks by illegal and ill-treated fighting dogs show us."
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Liz Lynne MEP has long campaigned on animal welfare issues, recently speaking out against the current Japanese 'scientific' whale hunt and also in strong support of the EU proposal for a ban on the import of cat and dog fur into the European Union due to the horrific practices often involved in their slaughter in the Far East.
The Written Declaration (text below), if signed by over half of Members before the 24th of January 2008, will prompt a debate on the subject in the European Parliament. 70 Members have so far signed.
Written declaration on dogfighting in the EU
The European Parliament,
- having regard to Protocol No 33 to the EC Treaty, which refers to animals as 'sentient beings' and states the Union's desire to 'ensure improved protection and respect for the welfare of animals',
A. whereas Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 seeks to regulate the movement of dogs and other pets within the EU,
B. whereas the BBC Panorama programme on 30 August 2007 exposed the appalling subculture of dogfighting within Europe and the disturbing trade in fighting dogs within the EU,
C. whereas dogfighting is barbaric and devoid of any aspect of legitimate sport,
D. whereas this practice runs contrary to the steps laid out in the Commission's Animal Welfare Action Plan for 2006-2010, which aims to improve global animal welfare,
1. Calls on the Commission to act upon Parliament's response to the Animal Welfare Action Plan, which called for all animals, not just farm animals, to be included in EU animal protection measures;
2. Calls on the Commission to take further steps to ensure that dogfighting is stamped out throughout the EU;
3. Calls on the Commission to review the operation of the EU Pet Passport scheme under Regulation (EC) 998/2003, with a view to ensuring that its purposes are not frustrated by the misdescription of dogs;
4. Instructs its President to forward this declaration, together with the names of the signatories, to the Commission and the governments of the Member States.
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