B4-0383/95

Resolution on minimum standards for the keeping of animals in zoos

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 130s thereof,

-having regard to proposal for a Council Directive COM(91)0177 laying down minimum standards for the keeping of animals in zoos,

-having regard to Parliament's opinion of 25 June 1993 on that proposal,

-having regard to the Commission's response to a Parliamentary Question (No. 55) at Question Time on 14 February 1995 stating the Commission's intention to withdraw its proposal for a Council Directive and replace it with a proposal for a Council Recommendation,

A.whereas the Fifth Action Programme on the environment lays down action in the field of nature conservation and animal welfare and stresses the need to promote a real policy of information and education in environmental matters,

B.whereas Council Regulation 3626/82 on the implementation in the Community of the convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No. 197/90, requires evidence of adequate facilities for the accommodation and care of live specimens of certain species before allowing their importation into the Union; whereas it furthermore prohibits the display to the public for commercial purposes of certain species unless a specific exemption has been justified for education, research or breeding,

C.whereas zoos can play an important role in the conservation of species, in scientific research and in public education;

D.whereas it is therefore necessary to lay down uniform minimum standards for the keeping of animals, the safety and training of staff and the safety and education of the visiting public,

E.whereas, in order to ensure that these standards are met, all zoos should have a licence in order to operate; whereas such a licence should only be issued after an inspection of the premises,

F.whereas the competent authorities should monitor the compliance of licensed zoos with the conditions of this proposed Directive, and take appropriate action where necessary,

1.Calls on the Commission to maintain proposal for a Directive COM(91)0177, which proposes a European policy on zoos, and not to replace it with a Council Recommendation;

2.Calls on the Council to adopt forthwith a Common Position on minimum standards for the protection of animals in zoos in accordance with Parliament's abovementioned opinion of 25 June 1993;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and Commission.