The European Parliament has passed a bill establishing the first pan-European rules on the breeding, keeping and treatment of cats and dogs.
The European Parliament reports this.
New animal welfare regulations in the EU
The new regulations are aimed at strengthening animal protection and combating uncontrolled trade.
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At the heart of the document is the requirement for mandatory identification of all cats and dogs with microchips and their registration in national databases that will be compatible throughout the European Union.
MEPs also called for the creation of a single database that would store information about microchips and animal registration.
Particular attention is paid to preventing cruelty to animals. The parliament notes the need to strengthen control over the breeding and sale of animals, in particular, to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores, as well as the import and subsequent sale of animals brought into the EU under the guise of non-commercial movement.
MEPs also called for a ban on breeding dogs and cats with excessive conformational traits that could be detrimental to their health and welfare.
In addition, they propose not to allow such animals, as well as animals with deformities, to participate in exhibitions, displays and competitions.
The EU therefore aims not only to strengthen common animal welfare standards, but also to end practices that encourage the breeding of physically vulnerable breeds for aesthetic or commercial gain.
The new rules also apply to imports of animals from third countries. According to the MEPs, all animals imported into the EU must be identified before crossing the border and registered before arriving in the country.
The document was supported by 457 deputies, 17 were against, 86 abstained. Ahead are negotiations with the EU Council on the final version of the law.
According to the European Commission, about 44% of EU citizens have pets, and the dog and cat trade market is estimated at more than €1.3 billion annually. Due to active online trade and the lack of unified control, parliamentarians consider the adoption of this bill a timely step towards protecting animal welfare in Europe.
