WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1360/98 by Maartje van PUTTEN to the Council. Administering sedatives to animals in British zoos
Date: 1998-04-27
Institutions: European Parliament, VAN PUTTEN
Subjects: United Kingdom, animal welfare, leisure park, protection of animals, tranquiliser, wildlife

C 323/128

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

21. 10. 98

Is it in particular willing to press the French authorities to introduce proper toilets in such rest areas? Is it aware of
the contrast between the generally high quality of such rest areas, many of which have been beautifully designed
and landscaped, with the appalling conditions of the toilets provided where users are obliged to squat over a hole
rather than use a toilet with a seat?

Answer given by Mr Santer on behalf of the Commission

(26 May 1998)

The Commission has no jurisdiction to deal with the question asked, which is a matter solely for the national
authorities concerned.

(98/C 323/198)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1360/98

by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Council

(27 April 1998)

Subject: Administering sedatives to animals in British zoos

1.
Is the Council aware of recent reports in the (Dutch-language) media that sedatives such as Prozac and
Valium are administered to animals in British zoos to combat stress and depression, even though research has
shown that inadequate living conditions inhibit the natural behaviour of the animals, can cause stress in animals
and that administering sedatives should therefore be regarded as a means of treating the symptoms?

2.
Is the Council prepared to investigate whether these reports are true and, if so, how does the Council intend
to prevent this sort of behaviour in particular, and in general to guarantee the welfare of animals in European zoos
in the context of the proposal for a Council recommendation on the keeping of wild animals in zoos? Parliament
has  amended  the  recommendation  by  changing  it  into  a  directive;  Parliament  is  particularly  interested  in  the
guidelines for the accommodation and care of animals which are included in the annex to the proposal and which
are supported by the EAZA (European Association for Zoos and Aquaria).

Answer

(13/14 July 1998)

1.

The Council is not aware of the reports mentioned by the Honourable Member.

2. With regard to the proposal mentioned by the Honourable Member, the Council would like to inform him
that on 17 June 1998 it reached agreement on a common position with a view to adopting a Directive on the
keeping of wild animals in zoos. This text, on which the European Parliament will be required to state a position,
takes account of the Opinion delivered by the Parliament on 29 January 1998.

(98/C 323/199)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1375/98

by Alexandros Alavanos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(7 May 1998)

Subject: Establishment of a new agency for the payment and control of Community EAGGF aid

The  Greek  Government  has  tabled  a  bill  establishing  an  agency  for  the  payment  and  control  of  Community
EAGGF aid which will be responsible for managing and controlling European Agricultural Fund appropriations
and carrying out the necessary primary-level technical controls.

Given that Council Regulation (EC) No. 1287/95 (1) states: (cid:145)... decentralized management of Community funds,
in  particular  following  reform  of  the  common  agricultural  policy,  leads  to  the  designation  of  several  paying