Dogfighting: the role of the EU and of showcasing websites
12.4.2021
Question for written answer E-001939/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Ignazio Corrao (Verts/ALE), Rosa D'Amato (Verts/ALE)
The dogfighting business is worth some EUR 3 billion in Europe, according to the most recent and reliable estimates by the Lega Anti Vivisezione (Italian Anti-Vivisection League).
This sport is practised in many European countries but is particularly popular in Italy and eastern Europe, as uncovered in investigations that have helped to combat the system in recent years.
Bets range from EUR 250 in low-ranking rings to EUR 10 000 for matches between high-pedigree dogs. Criminal organisations rely mainly on stray dogs, which in Italy alone number in excess of a million.
Trade is aided through websites that are presented as shopfronts for dog lovers but are, in actual fact, promoting dogfighting: in addition to the dogs’ pedigree, they also list the number of matches they have won and assign them a specific score[1].
In Italy, although dogfighting is a specific offence by law, convictions never exceed two years because it is difficult to identify criminal associations.
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- 1.Does the Commission intend to establish rules at EU level to tackle this practice?
- 2.What action has it taken thus far?
- 3.What action does it take regarding strays and sites that promote dogfighting?
Supporters[2]