logo

Home

/

News & Stories

/

Pet News

EU Diplomats Clear Path for Historic EU-wide Legislation on Cat and Dog Welfare

author

Rithani

Follow

4 min read

03 Jul, 2024

Stories-img

EU ambassadors agreed on a landmark mandate to establish minimum welfare standards for cats and dogs across the EU. This decision highlights the EU's commitment to animal welfare, aligning with the values of many Europeans who prioritize the well-being of their pets. Ben Weyts, Vice-Minister-President of Flanders, emphasized that this move lays a foundation for future animal policies at the European level.


The proposal targets the welfare of cats and dogs in breeding facilities, selling establishments, and shelters, aiming to enhance consumer protection, ensure fair competition, and curb illegal trade. Individual pet owners are not affected, but any cat or dog placed on the EU market must be microchipped. Key welfare principles include regulated breeding, bans on certain breeding practices like inbreeding, prohibition of painful mutilations, and mandates for adequate food, water, and housing. Dogs older than 12 weeks must have daily outdoor access or be walked daily.


The Council’s mandate includes provisions for microchipping all cats and dogs, maintaining interoperable national databases, and ensuring regular veterinary visits. New improvements prohibit abandoning animals, ban hybrid breeding, exclude cats and dogs with multiple cesarean sections from breeding, and prevent animals with extreme traits from participating in competitions. The regulation also encompasses foster homes used by NGOs.


Breeding establishments with more than five female cats or dogs or producing over five litters per year will require authorization. Imports from outside the EU must adhere to the same standards, with differentiated rules for commercial and non-commercial imports. Data protection measures are included to safeguard personal information in animal databases. Negotiations between the Council and the European Parliament will determine the final shape of the legislation, addressing the public's strong call for better pet welfare as indicated by a recent Eurobarometer survey.

Must readPet Stories
7 Amazing Facts About German Shepherd Dog
DOGS

STORIES

7 Amazing Facts About German Shepherd Dog

20 Nov 2024

Cat Conflicts: 5 Human Behaviors That Rub Cats the Wrong Way

Cat Conflicts: 5 Human Behaviors That Rub Cats the Wrong Way

16 Nov 2024

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Pet Perfumes – What Every Owner Must Know!
PET CARE

STORIES

The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Pet Perfumes – What Every Owner Must Know!

21 Aug 2024

Exploring the Bullmastiff: A Gentle Giant of Remarkable History and Care
DOGS

STORIES

Exploring the Bullmastiff: A Gentle Giant of Remarkable History and Care

15 Aug 2024

For your daily dose of happiness, follow us on

vectorvectorvector
logo

Stay updated with the pet industry

Subscribe Now

Download our pet-parent app

dog
dog

© Excitado Innovations Pvt Ltd