It’s official! On 28 April, the European Parliament gave its final approval to a new Regulation on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs. Adopted by a strong majority (558 votes in favour, 35 against, 52 abstentions), the legislation introduces comprehensive rules covering breeding, housing, identification, importation and handling.
Mandatory identification and registration
Under the new rules, all dogs and cats in the EU, including privately owned animals, must be individually identifiable via microchip and registered in interoperable national databases. This is expected to significantly strengthen traceability and support disease control, as well as enforcement against illegal trade.
Ban on harmful breeding practices
The Regulation also addresses long-standing welfare concerns. It bans inbreeding between close relatives (including parent-offspring and sibling pairings) and prohibits breeding for exaggerated physical traits associated with health disorders. In addition, practices such as non-therapeutic mutilations for aesthetic purposes, routine tethering and the use of prong or choke collars are explicitly restricted.
Closing loopholes in the illegal pet trade
A key objective is to curb illegal and unethical trade. The new rules extend to animals entering the EU under the guise of “non-commercial movement,” a loophole frequently exploited for resale. Imported dogs and cats must now be microchipped before entry and registered upon arrival. Pet owners travelling into the EU will also need to pre-register their animals at least five working days in advance, unless already recorded in an EU database.
'Historic step forward for animal welfare'
As noted by Veronika Vrecionová MEP, the Regulation aims to 'push back against those who see animals as a means of making a quick profit,' while ensuring fair conditions for responsible breeders. Volker Moser, UEVP president commented, ‘this final adoption brings a long reform process to a close. It represents a historic step forward for animal welfare, while reinforcing the vital role of the veterinary profession and supporting public health.’ The Regulation will now proceed to final publication in the Official Journal and will enter into force shortly thereafter.
Also see the press release by the FVE and Fecava.
(photo ©Jamie Street/Unsplash)