MEPs propose stricter rules on dog and cat welfare and traceability

Mandatory microchipping and registration of all dogs and cats kept in the EU

Ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops

Registration of dogs and cats imported for both commercial and non-commercial purposes

EU dog and cat trade is worth €1.3 billion annually; 60% of owners purchase their dogs or cats online

The draft law approved by Parliament on Thursday lays down the first ever minimum EU standards for the breeding, housing, and handling of cats and dogs.

MEPs want all dogs and cats kept in the EU to be individually identifiable with a microchip.

They also demand that microchipped dogs and cats be registered in interoperable national databases. Microchip identification numbers, along with information about the corresponding national database, should be stored in a single index database managed by the Commission.

Keeping or selling dogs and cats in pet shops must be prohibited, say MEPs.

Dogs and cats from third countries

To close potential loopholes that would allow dogs and cats to enter the EU as non-commercial pets only to be subsequently sold, MEPs want to extend the rules to cover not only imports for commercial purposes but also non-commercial movements of the animals.

Dogs and cats imported from third countries for sale would have to be microchipped before their entry into the EU, and then registered in a national database. Pet owners entering the EU would be obliged to pre-register their microchipped animal on an online database, at least five working days before arrival.

Breeding and welfare of dogs and cats

Breeding between parents and offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, as well as between siblings and half-siblings, must be prohibited, stress MEPs. MEPs also want a ban on the breeding of dogs or cats that have excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on their welfare, as well as a prohibition on these animals – and mutilated dogs and cats – being used in shows, exhibitions, or competitions.

Tethering, except when necessary for medical treatment, and the use of prong and choke collars without safety tops must be prohibited, add MEPs.

Parliament adopted its position on EU rules for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats by 457 votes to 17, with 86 abstentions.

Quote

Rapporteur and Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ), said: “This marks a clear move against illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU.”

“While further dialogue will be needed to fine-tune some details, I believe we are united in our aim to protect the welfare of dogs and cats. This shared commitment is a strong starting point for productive talks with the Commission and Council,” adds the rapporteur.

Next steps

MEPs will now enter into negotiations with the Council on the final shape of the law.

Background

With around 44% of Union citizens keeping a pet, the trade in dogs and cats has grown considerably in recent years and is worth €1.3 billion a year, according to the Commission. Around 60% of owners purchase their dogs or cats online. In the absence of unified minimum animal welfare standards for dogs and cats across the member states, the Commission proposed these new rules on 7 December 2023.