Labour MEP Marlene Mizzi has participated in the drafting of a written declaration on the creation of a one‐stop shop dedicated to animal welfare in the EU. The declaration, which has the support of MEP's from different political groups and nationalities, calls upon the European Commission to ensure that protecting and enhancing animal welfare is fundamental and expected by all Member States.
The Declaration calls for the creation of a centralised system to streamline animal welfare concerns, information , expertise and support to EU Member States to effectively apply animal protection legislation.
The declaration also calls upon the European Commission to ensure more coherent delivery of policy and support of EU Members States, improvement of the effective application of animal protection law and legal compliance and last but not least, broadening the remit of the European Commission’s Animal Welfare Unit.
"There is no doubt that conditions and standards of animal welfare across the EU need to be improved. Citizens seeking information, advice and guidance often find it confusing and unclear whom to contact. Therefore, the creation of a centralised ‘One Stop Shop’ streamlining all animal welfare concerns into a single, central point of information and expertise is the right step forward,” MEP Marlene Mizzi said.
"As a Vice‐President of the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals, I have always been a very active defender of animals, who have no voice and so they cannot speak up for their rights and defend themselves. But they are sentient beings and so they hurt and they suffer. It is up to us to be their voices and defenders. I hope that other MEPs will see the importance of signing this declaration dedicated to the welfare of ALL animal species. This will be another milestone in the protection and welfare of animals in Europe and a proof of the civilised sentiment of member states,” the MEP concluded.