I do not usually start writing an opinion piece with a quote attributed to Gandhi, but in this case it fits well. Animal welfare is a topic close to my heart and close to the hearts of many Maltese and European citizens. 

As a Member of the European Parliament for Malta many people have contacted me to express their worry about the treatment of animals (and dogs in particular) in certain EU, and candidate, countries.

The matter was also very well voiced by representatives of relevant NGO's at the Citizens' Dialogue, held at the Phoenicia Hotel last week, with EU Health Commissioner Tonio Borg, who is also the EU Commissioner responsible for animal welfare and who is tackling the issue with his usual vigour and expertise.

Too often animal welfare is treated as a side topic and not given the importance that it deserves. But the European Union has come a long way recently. To mention a few examples: laying hens are no longer kept in conventional cages; pregnant pigs are now kept in groups rather than alone; since March 2013 products cannot rely on animal tests to prove their safety; the quality of animal transport within the EU has increased dramatically.

Even if it is clear that we need more concrete action, some steps have been taken and more steps are in the pipeline. The European Commission is currently considering proposals that aim to improve the level of training for people who handle animals, and will review the way animal welfare inspections are conducted.

When it comes to testing substances on animals, this is always an ethical minefield. In my mind there is nothing to justify the testing of cosmetic products on animals, but we have to be realistic and cannot expect crucial research that saves lives to come to a sudden halt. What we can do is ensure that in the limited, essential cases where this is done, it is done with the least amount of suffering possible and kept to a bare minimum. At the same time alternative methods should be promoted.

The European Commission estimates that the population of owned dogs and cats in the European Union is more than one hundred million animals. However as yet, there is no harmonised legislation across the EU that addresses the welfare concerns of companion animals such as cats and dogs. Here too, things are moving forward. Only last month the first conference on the welfare of cats and dogs in the EU was held in Brussels. It brought together EU, government representatives, NGOs and other stakeholders and identified the key issues that should be tackled on a European level.

With the conference a study into the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices was also launched. Based on the outcome of the study, the Commission has said that it will 'consider what further action is necessary in order to improve animal welfare and to increase transparency and adequacy of information to consumers.'

The issue of stray dogs within some EU countries and EU candidate countries is also an issue which has concerned many of us. There are some worrying reports of strays being put down when this is not strictly necessary. It is true that sometimes, in very limited circumstances, such as when an animal is suffering or dangerous, euthanasia - as unpleasant as it is - is the only option available. But we have to make sure that this is truly a measure of last resort and when it is resorted to, it is done in the most humane manner possible.

To me the best and most effective way of dealing with the stray dog population is a widespread neutering programme. Nowadays this method has improved to mean that apart from being effective and humane it also makes economic sense and has been proven to drastically reduce stray dog populations.

My message is clear. We cannot tolerate the abuse of animals. We must do what we can to safeguard their welfare.

Even in cases where there might be no legal obligations under European Law, there is a higher calling in the way we treat animals, now formally recognised by the Treaty of the European Union as being 'sentient beings'. It is a human obligation to treat animals humanely. I shall be following this issue closely, and when the opportunity and occasion arises, I shall use my seat in the European parliament accordingly.

People look to the European Union to lead on these issues and we must continue to do so.

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