Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92002E1817

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-1817/02 by Michl Ebner (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Investigations into the international trade in animals used in experiments.** 
  
*Official Journal 301 E , 05/12/2002 P. 0234 - 0234*

  

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 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 activities of the laboratory do not comply with the requirements of Directive 86/609/EEC.

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.

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