The European Parliament has approved the first ever EU standards to protect dogs and cats that will see stricter rules around the breeding, housing, traceability, import, and handling of the animals.
The bill adopted today by MEPs - 558 votes in favour, 35 against, 52 abstentions - seeks to stop abusive practices, curb cruel business methods, and protect the health of cats and dogs.
Under the new regulations, all dogs and cats in the EU will have to be identifiable with microchips and registered in inter-operable national databases.
Meanwhile, breeding between parents and their offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, as well as between siblings and half-siblings will be forbidden.
The breeding of dogs or cats to give them exaggerated or excessive traits, that lead to significant health risks, will also be banned.
The measures include a ban on the mutilation of dogs and cats for shows, exhibitions, or competitions.
Tying a dog or a cat to an object (tethering), except when necessary for medical treatment, and the use of prong and choke collars without built-in safety mechanisms, will also be prohibited.
In addition, the new standards will mean dogs and cats imported from non-EU countries for sale will have to be microchipped before they enter the bloc, and then registered in a national database.
Pet owners entering the EU will have to pre-register their microchipped animal on a database before arrival, unless it is already registered in an EU country's database.
The European Commission proposed the legislation in December 2023, which will have to be adopted by the European Council before it can be implemented.
According to the Commission, around 60% of owners purchase their dogs or cats online, while the trade for both animals has grown considerably in recent years and is worth around €1.3 billion a year.
Sellers, breeders, and shelters will have four years from when the legislation is implemented to abide by the new rules.
For pet owners who do not sell animals, the obligation will kick in after ten years for dogs, and after 15 years for cats.
