On Sunday I took part in the Christmas party of the Katzenhilfe Schmelz as patroness! I was very pleased to see that the Advent market was so well attended! All the proceeds were donated to the non-profit organization to support its important voluntary work with street cats and dogs.

However, animal welfare should not be the sole responsibility of non-profit organizations - politicians must also finally take action here, especially at European level! There are considerable delays in the presentation of the EU animal welfare package, several proposals have still not been published by the European Commission, namely on the end of cage farming and the online trade of pets, such as puppies. In an exchange with the Animal Welfare Group in the European Parliament last week, Commissioner Kyriakides announced that at least the proposal on animal transportation is planned for December.

The implementation of the animal welfare package would also be entirely in the interests of European citizens, who, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey, clearly support greater animal welfare: 83% of respondents believe that farm animals need better protection. 74% believe that pets need better protection.

I therefore call on the European Commission, and in particular Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, to finally keep their promise and ensure greater animal welfare in the EU! Time is of the essence, because the suffering of animals is immense.