WRITTEN QUESTION E-1634/02 by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Rodeos in Europe.
Date: 2002-06-10
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: animal show, cattle, competence of the Member States, equidae, leisure, protection of animals

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/231

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 July 2002)

The Honourable Member is invited to refer to the answer to the written question E-1404/02 by Jean-
Maurice Dehousse (1).

In addition, regarding the possible use of labelling, it should be noted that labelling is not an acceptable
alternative to providing safe food. In this instance, further investigations are necessary and are underway to
clarify the extent of the risk posed and to determine how best to manage that risk.

(1) See page 201.

(2002/C 277 E/254)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1634/02

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 June 2002)

Subject: Rodeos in Europe

Rodeos involve cruelty to animals for purposes of entertainment and are often described as ‘American
bullfighting’. The cattle and horses involved are not ‘wild’ animals, but European domestic animals. For full
entertainment value to be achieved, the animals have to ‘buck’. This is brought about by inflicting severe
pain on them. The girth is pulled very tight as the animal leaves the starting box, with the effect of
constricting the lower abdomen or genitals of male and female animals. Electric shocks may also be used.
Falls suffered by the animals cause broken necks, fractured bones, grazes and severe internal
injuries.
Furthermore, frequent transportation and changes of location place the animals under stress.

There is no rodeo tradition in Europe; rodeo forms no part of its cultural, religious or regional heritage.
Rodeos were brought to Europe by American soldiers who organised them as a leisure activity, and were
initially confined to US barracks. Now rodeos are also taking place in civilian locations at fairs and in so-
called ‘Western towns’. Rodeos are held in Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and the Czech Republic.
Like cock fighting and dog fighting, rodeos are mainly confined to the same small circle of enthusiasts and
do not attract a large public. As in the case of the bullfighting industry, private rodeo organisers are trying
to extend their business operations to the former Eastern bloc countries.

What does the Commission envisage doing to prevent the cruel practice of rodeo in Europe?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 July 2002)

The Commission shares the view of the Honourable Member that unnecessary suffering of animals is not
acceptable.

The Commission places great importance on animal welfare. The Community has adopted general rules on
the rearing of animals with the view to protecting their welfare. More detailed conditions have been laid
down on the rearing of calves, pigs and laying hens. The Community has also passed legislation on animal
transport and the conditions for the slaughter of animals. Community rules also exist on the use of
animals for scientific research.

Regulation of competitions and similar events is however largely a matter for Member States, and at least
in the absence of evidence that divergent national approaches were hindering the functioning of the
internal market, the Community’s power to act is rather limited.