Question to the EC: Treatment of horses at an event in Galicia
See Francisco Guerreiro’s question to the European Commission and the written answer on the treatment of horses at an event in Galicia.
Subject: Treatment of horses at an event in Galicia
Every year in Galicia, the Rapa das Bestas(1) is held. This violent event sees horses mounted, manhandled and restrained(2) so that their mane and tail hair can be cut and medicine to kill parasites administered without a vet being present to check the horses’ physique, weight or condition. Some of these drugs are dangerous for the environment and no precautionary measures are taken.
This event has become a show(3), which spectators pay to watch in some Galician municipalities, and is wholly unsuitable, given the poor treatment that the animals receive, some of which are sold to slaughterhouses for their meat and so that money can be made from the sale of entrance tickets and from equine-associated products.
What view does the Commission take of the treatment of horses during the Rapa das Bestas?
Has any economic aid been granted to the associations that promote these activities in Galicia?
In the Commission’s view, does this activity comply with EU directives on horse welfare?
(2) https://telemarinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/curro_valga_2018.jpg
Answer in writing
The Rapa das Bestas in Galicia is considered a cultural tradition and regional heritage in Spain. In accordance with Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU(1), the EU and its Member States when formulating and implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space policies, shall pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage.
Council Directive 98/58/EC on the protection of animals kept for farming purposes(2) does not apply to animals intended for use in cultural events. Therefore the activity referred to by the Honourable Member falls outside the scope of the directive.
As the support provided under the common agricultural policy, including direct payments and rural development, is managed under the shared management principle, the Commission does not have information concerning support for specific projects or beneficiaries. Such information can be requested directly from the managing authority(3).
No operation concerning the Rapa da Bestas has been financed under the European Regional Development Fund Operational Programme Galicia 2014-2020 as these type of actions are not eligible in the programme.
(1) https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:12012E/TXT&from=EN
(2) Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (OJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23).
(3) Managing authority of the RDP of Galicia 2014-2020: coordinacionpdr.cmr@xunta.gal
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