Mizzi calls for stronger EU stance on animal welfare

“Millions of European citizens share my view that protecting and enhancing animal welfare is very important. We need a clear European direction when it comes to dealing with animals across the different Member States” said Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mizzi called on the European Commission and Member States to take a strong stance in the protection of animal welfare across Europe. 

During a Parliamentary debate in Strasbourg, where MEPs, together with the Commission, discussed the possibilities of a new animal welfare strategy for 2016-2020, Marlene Mizzi urged the Commission to implement, without undue delay, the outstanding points from the current strategy and to present as soon as possible a new one.

The current strategy, which lays down the foundation for improving animal welfare standards in Europe ends at the end of this year and so far the European Commission has not presented its successor.

“The EU has made significant progress when it comes to animal welfare, but there are still a number of issues upon which the Commission needs to deliver.  In order to ensure continuity the Commission must present a new strategy - a holistic roadmap for action – to ensure a consistent approach across the various EU policies areas dealing with animals and animal products.

"Animal welfare is beneficial not only for animals, but also for European citizens and consumers that have a strong interest in high EU animal protection standards. Therefore, it is important for the Commission to act on their behalf by adopting the new Animal Welfare Strategy by the end of the year," said Mizzi.

In her speech, Mizzi said, “Animals are sentient beings living on our planet trying to survive and live in peace. They suffer, as we suffer, they hurt as we do. It is really difficult for me to understand anyone who would abuse a poor defenceless animal.

:Unfortunately, a lot of people in the world think that animals are just money earning machines, for food, to be used for scientific purposes, to be hunted, trapped and exploited in a variety of other ways.”

 “Animals should not be abused. They should be treated with dignity and respect. Animals have no voice and no vote to protest against the atrocious behaviour of humans in their regards. We have to show how civil and caring we are by giving a voice to these beings - who at times are more civil and more loving than man," said Mizzi.