WRITTEN QUESTION E-1421/01 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission. Organised crime and the exploitation of animals.
Date: 2001-05-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: competence of the Member States, fight against crime, illicit trade, organised crime, protection of animals

11.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 350 E/149

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(18 July 2001)

In accordance with applicable rules on public contracts, when proposals are analysed following a call for
tender the Commission checks that the tenderers meet all relevant financial, professional and technical
requirements. Once selected according to established selection criteria, the contractor is obliged to respect
the legislation of the country in which he operates.

In the case referred to by the Honourable Member, the contract stipulates that (cid:145)the Contractor commits
himself to observing the provisions in force in employment legislation applicable in Luxembourg(cid:146). At the
beginning of the implementation of the contract, the Commission noted certain difficulties on the part of
the Contractor and it took the necessary steps, in agreement with relevant authorities in Luxembourg, to
remedy this situation (registration in the trade register, VAT registration).

If it is found that the contractor has not fulfilled his obligations, the Commission will terminate the
contract.

(2001/C 350 E/161)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1421/01

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

Subject: Organised crime and the exploitation of animals

(17 May 2001)

A report drawn up by LAV (the Italian Anti-Vivisection League) paints a disturbing picture of the
exploitation of animals (dog fights, illegal horse-racing, trading in exotic animal species, etc) which in Italy
alone brings in around Lit 5 thousand billion annually for criminal organisations.

In view of the lack of provisions to restrict and stop this phenomenon, can the Commission say whether it
is at least aware of it?

If it is, can it offer any explanations concerning the steps it intends to take to combat it?

How does it intend to justify its long silence on the subject, which in effect leaves criminal organisations
free to operate undisturbed?

Does it not consider that stricter checks on stock farms, kennels and frontiers, as regards trafficking in
exotic animals, might constitute an initial response to those who exploit animals as a form of illegal
business?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(20 July 2001)

The Commission is not aware of the report mentioned by the Honourable Member.

As far as the protection of animals is concerned, the competences of the Community are limited to certain
areas that do not cover all the activities mentioned in the question of the Honourable Member. Cruelty to
animals involved in dog fighting or illegal horseracing is a domain that falls under the sole responsibility of
the Member States.

In addition, it should be noted that, when the Community competences cover an activity such as the
protection of endangered species, the role of the Commission is primarily to secure the adoption of
appropriate legislation and ensure its application by Member States. Member States are responsible for the
day-to-day enforcement of Community legislation.