EU application against the illegal trade in animal Mafia Fighting dogs

Thousands of dogs and cats are sold annually in the EU illegally. Illegal trade in dogs and cats is the third largest source of income after drugs and arms trade organized. European Parliament wants to implement a new system to put stop mafia animals.

Sebastian Schöbel, studio ART Brussels

The story given by an informative video of the Vienna municipality could occur almost anywhere in the EU: a child wants a dog, and parents searching the Internet and find various offers, often very advantageous. Soon, the family takes possession of the animal, often in a parking lot from the highway.

"After a few days the dog gets sick," continues the story. The vet is found that the animal is not vaccinated, that the documents are false, and the animal is seriously ill. The animal was sold illegally, as happens to thousands of dogs and cats every year in the EU.

Cats and other pets earn revenue as large as cocaine

Trade in young animals is best known in Vienna and London. There are no exact figures on the black market, but according to MEP CDU Renate Sommer is immense: "Illegal trade in dogs and cats is third in the generation of revenue, as organized trade in drugs and weapons." This information is confirmed by organization animal protection, such as "Eurogroup for animals", citing studies from London and Vienna and the Italian police data.

British politician Keith Taylor tells about a band discovered in England in 2015. This would have earned more than 44,000 euros a week from selling sick or dying chickens. Its members have been convicted, but this is not a unique case.

Illegal trade in animals is flourishing in Europe. Structures that are profitable businesses mafia: it falsifies chip numbers and identity documents of animals

Mafia of illegal traders

Gaps control system supports European trade in animals: many European countries have their own systems of registration of pets, but most often are not compatible. There are European passport for animals, many dogs and cats get a chip with all essential information, such as vaccinations, but nevertheless fail to stop illegal trade, says Sommer CDU politician. "Behind this is a whole mob of illegal traders, we are dealing with organized crime. It falsifies chip numbers and identity documents for the animals. "

The EU wants to improve animal welfare

For this reason, the European Parliament asked the Commission to act: it will have to ensure a uniform registration of dogs and cats from EU member states. Existing databases to be harmonized with each other. Sommer MEP stated: this is not directed solely against mobsters chicken sellers of animals. "This would enable Member States, districts and municipalities to hold accountable irresponsible owners who abandon their animals simply in the street when they get sick."

Cererea UE privind sistemul de înregistrare a animalelor de companie | mai multe

Unanimously, apart from UKIP

Almost all factions of Parliament supporting the request, which was adopted by a clear majority. This was challenged eurosceptic UKIP party only. Its representative, Julia Reid, said it would be just another example of over-regulation from Brussels. "Cats, dogs, goldfish and insects should be monitored by each country, not European bureaucrats."

And the Commission has a hesitant attitude: we should first estimated expenses bureaucratic maintains. Those who are to improve the registration system will not wait that long, however. If the Commission does not act now, it would put pressure on the current Dutch presidency of the European Council and of its discussion with studio insiders say ARD in Brussels. Then the heads of European governments should eliminate them merchants of baby animals.

Source: https://www.tagesschau.de/ausland/tierschutz-101.html