Working for an END to the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity while delivering improved animal welfare standards
Working for an END to the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity while delivering improved animal welfare standards
Working for an END to the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity while delivering improved animal welfare standards
Working for an END to the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity while delivering improved animal welfare standards
Working for an END to the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity while delivering improved animal welfare standards
Take Action – the power of the pen!
It is important to note that if you are a Citizen of the European Union, you have people representing your interests in the European Parliament, where 75% of national legislation is debated and decided. Animal welfare and protection is an issue which many Members of the European Parliament(MEP) value as important and therefore we recommend you inform your MEPs about any concerns you may have on the topic. Equally, please do inform your MEP of any of the information you find on the ENDCAP website, we could do with you help in raising greater awareness.
Who to write to:
Members of European Parliament (MEPs) – All countries that belong to the European Union have representatives in EU Parliament called MEPs. You can use the European Parliament website’s online directory to find your MEPs at www.europarl.europa.eu/members/public.do?language=EN
Select your language in the top right corner
Select your country from the map and then your constituency, if applicable.
A list of your MEPs will be displayed.
Click on the name of the MEP and you will be taken to their individual page, which should provide their email and postal address.
(Please note: MEPs work in different Committees within the European Parliament that focus on specific issues and the development of proposed legislation. On wild animal welfare issues, focus your time on contacting MEPs on the Committee for the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety as they are likely to take more of an interest on related topics.)
The European Commission proposes and produces policy and legislation, which the Parliament and Council of Ministers then discuss and debate. The Commission is responsible for bringing many important initiatives into reality including: The Action Plan for Animal Welfare and Protection and the European Centre for Animal Welfare Excellence.
The Commission for the Environment is the department focusing on environmental matters, which includes the trade in wildlife, Natura 2000 and zoo regulation. Website: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/environment/index_en.htm
Contact the Commissioner for the Environment –
Email:
Postal address: DG Environment European Commission Rue de la Loi 200 (BERL 11/112) B-1049 Brussels-Belgium
The Commission SANCOis the department focusing on public health and consumer protection matters, which includes food safety and farm animal welfare, the new Animal Health Law and the transportation of animals. Website: http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.guide?pLang=EN&pId=2119
Contact the Commissioner for SANCO –
Email:
Postal address: D5 - Animal Welfare, Directorate General for Health and Consumer, European Commission, B-1049 Brussels-Belgium
The Commission for Internal Market is the department focusing on maintaining free trade between European Member States (Article 49). Recently the European Circus Association challenged Austria on the belief it breached the Article. Website: http://ec.europa.eu/staffdir/plsql/gsys_www.guide?pLang=EN&pId=1431
Contact the Commission forInternal Market and services -
Email:
Postal address: DG Internal Market and services Unit E1- Services I European Commission B-1049 Brussels - Belgium
When you write:
Sending your concerns in an email is likely to get the quickest response, but if you prefer to write a letter, then try and type it if possible, if not write as clearly as you can.
Address the letter specifically and correctly, so that it reaches the correct person/ department.
Be polite and courteous. People that rant or are rude will be lucky to receive an answer. You want the people that you are writing to, to listen and take you seriously.
What to write:
Be specific about why you are writing, and what concerns you.
State what you have personally witnessed, what animals you saw or are concerned about
Sate where you saw the animals, the name of the facility/attraction and country
Describe the sort of conditions they were in or how the animals were treated
Explain if the animals were being made to perform tricks and what they were doing
Describe your feelings at the time
Ask direct questions that require an answer such as:
What are the laws regarding the welfare of captive wild animals in zoos, dolphinaria, circuses, or those kept as exotic pets in Europe or in a specific country?
How are these laws enforced?
How do you ensure that these laws are abided by?
Remember : Make sure that you ask for a reply! Give your contact details- Name, Address, and e-mail, so that you can receive a response.
For more information about the European Parliament, European Commission and Council of Ministers and much more, please use the following website: www.europa.eu
EMAIL CAMPAIGN
Send an email expressing your concern about the poor conditions for wild animals in Europe’s zoos.
Postcards / letters should be sent to: Commissioner for the Environment, European Commission, DG Environment, Rue de la Loi 200, (BERL 11/112), B-1049 Brussels, Belgium.
