Ireland threatened with action over EC zoo rules

The European Commission today threatened court action against 10 nations, including Ireland and Britain, for failing to implement legislation to protect zoo animals.

The EC gave the 10 – Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal, Denmark, Austria and Finland are the others – two months to apply a 1999 EU directive, or face action at the European Court of Justice.

“Member States must quickly ensure that their national legislation provides an adequate framework for managing zoos to improve the conservation interest of the animals in their care,” said EU Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstroem.

The EU law aims to ensure humane conditions for zoo animals, while improving the role zoos can play in protecting wild species.

It obliges national authorities to licence all zoos and carry out regular inspections. Zoos must ensure animals are held in conditions that “satisfy the behavioural needs” of each species, with high standards of veterinary care and nutrition.

Under the EU law, zoos should take part in research and information exchanges on conservation and promote public awareness of the needs of wildlife and natural habitats.