WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1542/98 by Gianni TAMINO to the Commission. Crucifixion of a dove at Whitsun ceremony in Orvieto
Date: 1998-05-19
Institutions: European Parliament, TAMINO
Subjects: Umbria, application of EU law, bird, customs and traditions, protection of animals

5.2.1999

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 31/53

product sold, with dates and batch numbers. This register is at the disposal of the authorities of the Member States
which ensure, by means of appropriate checks, that the requirements established by the Directive are met.

Retailers of veterinary medicinal products are required to keep detailed records of their quantities and to ensure
traceability.

The information to be recorded in respect of each transaction includes the date, precise identity of the veterinary
medicinal product, manufacturer(cid:146)s batch number, quantity received or supplied, name and address of the supplier
or recipient where relevant, name and address of the prescribing vet and a copy of the prescription. At least once a
year a detailed audit has to be carried out, and incoming and outgoing products have to be reconciled with
products currently held in stock, any discrepancies being recorded.

(1) OJ L 270, 14.12.1970.
(2) OJ L 64, 7.3.1987.
(3) As amended by Council Directive 90/676/EEC and 93/40/EEC (OJ L 317, 6.11.1981, 90/676/EEC, OJ L 373, 31.12.1990, 93/40/EEC, OJ L

214, 24.8.1993.).
(4) OJ 317, 6.11.1981.
(5) Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of veterinary
medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin (OJ L 224, 18.8.1990. Amended by Council Regulation (EC) 434/97 of 3 March 1997
amending Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90 laying down a Community procedure for the establishment of maximum residue limits of
veterinary medicinal products in foodstuffs of animal origin (OJ L 67, 7.3.1997.).

(6) OJ L 332, 30.12.1995.

(1999/C 31/069)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1542/98

by Gianni Tamino (V) to the Commission

(19 May 1998)

Subject: Crucifixion of a dove at Whitsun ceremony in Orvieto

It is a popular tradition in Orvieto that on Whit Sunday a dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, is crucified on a wheel
of fireworks and made to run along a wire from the church of Saint Francis (patron saint of animals) to the doors
of the cathedral. With the cries of the crows and the explosions of the fireworks and fire-crackers attached to the
wheel, it is not unusual for the dove to be dead or dying by the time it arrives. The condition in which the bird
reaches the doors of the cathedral is taken as a good or bad omen for the future of the city.

This barbaric ceremony has the blessing of the city(cid:146)s bishop and comes under the patronage of the Region of
Umbria and the European Union, according to the brochure publicizing the ceremony.

Despite repeated protests by various animal welfare organizations in the country (Friends of the Earth, LAV,
ENPA, WWF), this year again a dove will be sacrificed on the altar of superstition.

Does the Commission feel that ceremonies of this kind are consistent with the need to protect animal welfare, as
recognized moreover during the IGC, which led to the Treaty of Amsterdam? What led the EU to lend its name to
this event? Does it not consider that this is an improper use of the EU flag symbol and how will it seek to prevent
this?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(19 June 1998)

As it has stated on several occasions, the Commission deplores all forms of cruelty to animals and has, in its
proposals concerning the welfare of animals, consistently sought to provide for the highest possible standards of
welfare.

The Community has animal welfare legislation concerning farm animals (farm practices, transport and slaughter)
and laboratory animals. This legislation has been up-dated from time to time, taking into account new
developments and the latest scientific knowledge.

A protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam requires the Commission and the Member States to pay full regard to the
welfare requirements of animals in the areas of agriculture, transport, internal market and research. However, the
protocol stresses that religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage should continue to be respected.