Commission warns Spain on non-compliance with animal experiments Directive
The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against Spain for non-compliance with the animal experiments Directive in Andalucia, where breeding centres for laboratory animals are not properly regulated. The animal experiments Directive aims to ensure that, where animals are used for experimental or other scientific purposes, certain common animal protection provisions are applied across the Community. As part of the Directive's requirements, the relevant public authority must approve or register breeding centres for laboratory animals and keep detailed records on the animals in their care. 'I urge Spain to take urgent steps to bring the practices in these breeding centres into line with the European agreements. The measures which they and other EU Member States agreed to regulate the use of animals for experimental purposes are important elements of the EU environmental protection programme,' said Environment Commissioner Margot Wallström. This is the second written warning, known as a 'reasoned opinion', that the Commission has sent to Spain on the matter. If a Member State fails to comply with a reasoned opinion, the Commission can decide to bring the case before the European Court of Justice.