Poor conditions in zoos highlighted by Rochdale Euro-MP

Chris Davies MEP

A major study of zoos in 20 European countries has revealed that the conditions in which animals are being kept too often ranges from inadequate to very bad.

The Born Free Foundation launched the first of its national 'EU Zoo Inquiry Reports' at a meeting in the European Parliament organised by Rochdale Euro-MP Chris Davies.

Although conditions in some European zoos are exemplary, the reports reveal that poor staff training combined with inadequate investment in animal enclosures too often contributes to unacceptably low standards of animal welfare.

The EU introduced legislation on zoos in 1999 intended to set minimum standards, but the study reveals that in many countries it is not being properly applied or enforced.

The Born Free Foundation wants national governments, the European Commission, and the zoo owners to work together to promote best practice for animal welfare and improve the living standards of animals across Europe.

Chris Davies said that zoos at their best were contributing to the preservation of endangered species through successful breeding programmes, but some served no purpose other than to make money for their owners.

Mr Davies, said: "Conditions in some zoos in Europe are miserable both for the animals and for visitors who have no wish to see suffering.

“Places like this harm the reputation of the countries concerned and do nothing to preserve endangered species.

"Governments need to promote best practice and ensure good standards of animal welfare and zoos that fail to meet minimum requirements should be closed down by law.”

The Born Free Foundation is also launching a website at www.euzooinquiry.eu to give the public access to the reports on countries and zoos.

Mr Davies added: “The website will let people follow the progress or lack of progress of governments across the EU in making sure that animals kept in zoos are happy, healthy and contributing to preventing extinction."