The European Parliament has approved the first-ever EU Pet Protection Law to protect cats and dogs from abuse and unethical commercial practices. Members of the European Parliament stated the legislation aims to end cruel breeding methods and crack down on the illegal pet trade. The new rules, supported by 558 MEPs, establish strict standards for breeding, registration, imports, and the general treatment of pets. The law will take effect following final approval by the Council of the EU.
Pet Protection Law: Solving the Shadow Market
Approximately 44% of EU citizens own pets, and 74% of respondents believe pet welfare should be better protected by law. The trade in dogs and cats has become a major industry with an annual turnover of 1.3 billion euros. According to the European Commission, about 60% of owners purchase animals online, where unregulated schemes flourish and pet health guarantees are often absent.
Mandatory Microchipping and National Databases
The new regulation introduces a strict requirement: all dogs and cats within the EU, including those in private ownership, must be microchipped and registered in compatible national databases. Commercial breeders, sellers, and shelters have four years to comply with this requirement after the law enters into force. For private owners who do not sell their pets, the transition period is 10 years for dogs and 15 years for cats.
Bans on Cruel Commercial Breeding and Inbreeding
The law imposes restrictions on commercial breeding facilities. It introduces a complete ban on inbreeding, which leads to health risks and abuses. Mating parents with their offspring, grandparents with grandchildren, and full or half-siblings is prohibited. The legislation also bans the intentional breeding of animals with exaggerated or hypertrophied physical traits that reduce the animal’s longevity.
Protection Against Mutilation and Prohibited Equipment
The new measures strictly forbid the mutilation of dogs and cats for exhibitions, shows, or competitions, including tail docking and ear cropping. Keeping animals tethered is also prohibited, except when restraint is necessary for veterinary medical care. The use of prong collars and choke chains without built-in safety mechanisms is completely banned.
Imports from Non-EU Countries and Closing Loopholes
To prevent dealers from importing commercial animals under the guise of personal pets, the new legislation applies to all movements of dogs and cats across borders. Animals imported from outside the EU for sale must be microchipped before crossing the border and registered immediately. Owners entering the EU with personal pets must register their microchipped animals in the system at least five working days before arrival.
Animals Are Not Toys
Veronika Vrecionová, rapporteur and Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that the new rules create a level playing field for honest breeders.
“Today we have taken a significant step toward establishing real order in the cat and dog trade in the European Union. Our message is clear: a pet is a member of the family, not an object or a toy. We finally have stricter breeding and tracking rules that will help us confront those who view animals as a means for quick profit,” Vrecionová stated.