BRIEFING

STRAY DOGS AND FERAL CATS

BACKGROUND

Wild cat and stray dog populations within the EU are of concern to citizens, especially when Member States

have employed drastic control measures, including euthanasia. This concern has been communicated

consistently over the past two years to MEPs, the Commission and NGOs (including Eurogroup) alike.

CURRENT SITUATION

Where culling has taken place under the auspices of public and animal health, there are two ways to ensure

that this is avoided in the future: 1) Upon adoption of the Official Controls proposal, Member States will have

to submit Multiannual Control Plans (MANCPs) to the Commission on disease prevention. There is clear scope

here for guidance from the Commission on the format of the proposals, along with additional information. 2)

There are several Articles in the proposed Animal Health Law where there are obligations or powers to act in

respect of wild animals for disease control purposes. On vaccines existing articles would give powers for the

Commission to prohibit or require the use of veterinary medicinal products (including vaccines).

OUR OBJECTIVES

Eurogroup aims to work in partnership with the Commission to develop guidance to Member States

on the management of populations of wild cats and stray dogs with regards to disease prevention and

management.

We also aim to draft and execute a lobby strategy aimed at mandating the use of veterinary medicinal

products (including vaccinations) where there are obligations or powers to act in respect of wild

animals for disease control purposes as suggested in the proposed Animal Health Law.