WRITTEN QUESTION E-1817/02 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Investigations into the international trade in animals used in experiments.
Date: 2002-06-27
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Germany, animal experimentation, animal welfare, competence of the Member States, protection of animals, research body, veterinary inspection, veterinary legislation

C 301 E/234

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

5.12.2002

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(26 July 2002)

The data are available for 1992-2001 and are being sent directly to the honourable Member as well as to
the Parliament Secretariat-General.

(2002/C 301 E/247)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1817/02

by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(27 June 2002)

Subject: Investigations into the international trade in animals used in experiments

On 31 May 2002 a case of cruelty to animals was uncovered on the Brenner Pass motorway. A small lorry
was carrying 56 beagle puppies under unacceptable conditions (cid:1) the animals had neither food nor water
and were being transported in cages which were much too small. The puppies came from Reggio Emilia
and were intended for use in experiments to be carried out by a toxicological
institute in Hamburg.
Following a wave of public sympathy homes have now been found for the puppies with families.

In Germany and in other countries there are many such institutes which carry out animal experiments,
although it is not always clear whether the laboratories and institutes comply with the relevant legal
provisions.

Could the European Commission please investigate the Hamburg Laboratory of Pharmacology and
Toxicology KG (D-21134 Hamburg) and check that its activities are lawful?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(2 August 2002)

According to Council Directive 86/609/EEC of 24 November 1986 on the approximation of the laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States on the protection of animals used for
experimental and other scientific purposes (1) the control of laboratories carrying out animal experiments is
the responsibility of the national authorities. The Commission has so far not received any indication that
the German authorities do not sufficiently control the laboratory in question. The Commission also has no
indication that
the laboratory do not comply with the requirements of Directive
86/609/EEC.

the activities of

Therefore, the Commission considers that there is currently no basis for a Commission investigation.
However, the Commission would be grateful for information about possible infringements of the Directive
in above context, which the Honorable Member may have.

(1) OJ L 358, 18.12.1986.

(2002/C 301 E/248)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1820/02

by Brian Simpson (PSE) to the Commission

(27 June 2002)

Subject: Discrimination against European companies by the United States Aviation Security Act (S1447)

Can the Commission indicate what action it intends to take against the United States in regard to the
discrimination that is being practised against European companies by the US Aviation Security Act
(S1447)? Further, what pressure is the Commission exerting on the US Government to reinstate the