MEP Sebastian Everding (The Left), joined by MEP Anja Hazekamp (The Left), has asked the European Commission to take action against the production and online dissemination of animal torture videos, particularly those originating from China. In a parliamentary question submitted on 2 July 2026, the MEPs call on the Commission to ensure that online platforms effectively detect and remove such content under the Digital Services Act (DSA), and to encourage Chinese authorities to adopt and enforce comprehensive animal welfare legislation with criminal sanctions.
The question cites investigations by international media and animal welfare organisations that have documented networks producing and distributing videos depicting the torture and brutal killing of cats and other animals, with many operators based in China. The MEPs express concern that these videos continue to circulate on platforms accessible within the EU, exposing users—including minors—to extreme violence, and raising issues of animal welfare, child protection, and DSA enforcement.
Specifically, the MEPs ask what steps the Commission is taking to ensure platforms comply with their DSA obligations to detect and remove animal cruelty content. They also ask whether the Commission will raise the issue in its dialogue with Chinese and other third-country authorities, urging them to adopt national animal welfare laws with criminal sanctions against abusers.
platform enforcement under the DSA and diplomatic engagement with third countries. It signals a policy orientation toward stronger regulation of online content and international cooperation on animal welfare. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate its willingness to act on these fronts.