Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001998/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Lara Magoni (ECR)
The discovery of four lions and a panther kept in unfit conditions in Naxxar, Malta, has sparked public outrage and raised concerns among animal rights organisations. Left to their own devices for days on end, the animals were found in dark, filthy, cramped cages, without food or adequate care.
Condemned by animal rights group Vuċi għall-Annimali, their suffering points to serious violations of EU animal welfare legislation. In particular, this case goes against Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which establishes the obligation to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, since they are sentient beings. Following several protests, the animals have apparently now been moved to a wildlife park, which, according to press reports, nevertheless fails to meet the welfare standards laid down in Article 3 of Directive 1999/22/EC.
In light of the above:
- 1.What steps will the Commission take to fully enforce EU animal welfare legislation among the Member States (including Malta) and prevent the occurrence of similar abuses?
- 2.What measures will it propose to tighten up EU legislation on the holding and trading of wild animals from outside the EU?
Submitted: 19.5.2025