The European Parliament has approved the first-ever EU-wide rules to protect cats and dogs from abuse, marking a significant step forward in animal welfare legislation. The new regulation, adopted by a landslide of 558 votes in favour (35 against and 52 absentions), introduces comprehensive standards covering breeding, housing, traceability, and the import of pets across the European Union, writes Catherine Feore.
MEP Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, Czechia) who was lead rapporteur welcomed the vote. “Today we have taken an important step towards bringing real order to the trade in dogs and cats in the European Union.”
“Our message is clear: a pet is a family member, not an object or a toy. We finally have stronger rules on breeding and traceability that will help us push back against those who see animals as a means of making a quick profit. At the same time, we are levelling the playing field for honest breeders in the EU.”
The Eurogroup for Animals welcomes that all dogs and cats placed on the EU market will need to be identified, registered, and linked to a breeder and seller. They say that this closes long-standing loopholes exploited by illegal operators. However, they also say that important gaps remain: “Certain animals are excluded, including cats on farms and dogs used by police, military and customs authorities, raising concerns about enforcement and equal protection.”
Breeders, sellers, and shelters will have four years to comply, while private pet owners will be given longer transition periods up to 10 years for dogs and 15 years for cats.
The move reflects growing public concern over animal welfare. Around 44% of EU citizens own a pet, and nearly three-quarters believe they should be better protected. With the pet trade now valued at €1.3 billion annually, MEPs argue that harmonised standards are long overdue.
Other harmful practices
The regulation also takes aim at harmful breeding practices. It bans breeding between close relatives, such as siblings or parent-offspring pairs, and prohibits the intentional breeding of animals with exaggerated physical traits that can cause serious health problems. In addition, practices such as mutilation for aesthetic purposes, tethering animals unnecessarily, and the use of unsafe collars will be outlawed.
Import rules have also been tightened to close loopholes that previously allowed animals to enter the EU under the guise of non-commercial movement before being sold. Under the new system, all cats and dogs entering the EU for sale must be microchipped before arrival and registered upon entry. Pet owners travelling with animals will also need to pre-register them in a database ahead of arrival.
The legislation now awaits final approval by the Council before it can formally enter into force.
Photo: Visit to Veeweyde, Animal Protection Society Photographer: Melanie Wenger © European Union
