EU unveils first rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats
Tethering, except for medical treatment, and the use of spiked and choke collars without a safety device could also be outlawed
The European Parliament has unveiled a bill which would introduce minimum standards for the breeding, housing and handling of cats and dogs in the EU.
MEPs want all dogs and cats kept in the EU to be individually identifiable by microchip. They also call for dogs and cats to be registered in interoperable national databases.
Microchip identification numbers, as well as information about the corresponding national database, should be stored in a single index database operated by the Commission. MEPs have also called for a ban on the keeping or sale of dogs and cats in pet shops.
To prevent dogs and cats from entering the EU as non-commercial pets and then being sold, MEPs want to extend the rules not only to imports for commercial purposes, but also to movements of the animals for non-commercial purposes.
Dogs and cats imported for sale from third countries would have to be microchipped and registered in a national database before entering the EU.
Pet owners entering the EU would be required to pre-register their animals in an online database at least five working days before arrival.
These new rules will not affect existing arrangements in the UK following its departure from the EU in 2020. However, they will apply in the Republic of Ireland and to anyone seeking to do business with, or travel with a pet to, an EU country. The implications for Northern Ireland remain unclear.
MEPs have also called for a ban on breeding between parents and offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, and between siblings and half-siblings.
They are also looking to ban breeding dogs or cats with excessive physical characteristics and banning the use of these animals, and mutilated dogs and cats, in shows, exhibitions or competitions.
Tethering, except for medical treatment, and the use of spiked and choke collars without a safety device could also be outlawed.
The EU rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats were adopted with 457 votes in favour, 17 against and 86 abstentions. MEPs will now begin negotiations with the Council on the final form of the law.
Veronika Vrecionová, rapporteur and chair of the committee on agriculture and rural development, said: “This is an important step against illegal breeding and the irresponsible import of animals into the EU. While further discussions will be necessary to fine-tune some details, I believe we agree on our goal of protecting the welfare of dogs and cats. This is a good starting point for productive discussions with the Commission and the Council.”
