EU moves to take over control of dog welfare

The Federation of Associations for Hunting and Conservation of the EU (FACE) has expressed concern about a current initiative in the European Council for the EU to take control of legislation relating to the welfare of pet animals. FACE fears that it may set a precedent, which could lead to the EU being granted powers to restrict wildlife management and laws relating to working dogs.

At a recent meeting, MEPs attempted to reassure FACE representatives that they recognised a distinction between animal rights ideology and animal welfare, and that the former, if followed to its logical conclusion, could have a damaging impact on the countryside, both environmentally and socio-economically.