On 23 May, Europetnet, the European network of 47 national and local pet registration data banks in 26 countries, held its general assembly in Madrid. It was attended by many stakeholders, including representatives of the UEVP (Volker Moser) and Fecava (Ann Criel, Ulrike Tewes). Discussions mainly centred around the proposed Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability of December 2023.
Europetnet, future Index Database?
After numerous debates and amendments, the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee adopted its opinion on the proposed regulation last month. Throughout these discussions, Europetnet emphasised the need for mandatory identification and registration of all cats and dogs in Europe, with support from FVE and Fecava. Europetnet has 25 years of experience in organising and implementing interoperability between national databases. ‘We have the required knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of serving as a so-called Index Database,’ Europetnet’s president (and veterinarian) Rémi Gellé underlined.
Traceability to support animal health and welfare - and to combat illegal trade
He added: ‘Hopefully, by next year, Europetnet can be identified as the reference database for the implementation of a new, effective system to manage the identification and registration details of companion animals in Europe, underpinning the welfare of animals and their keepers, as well as to combat trafficking and illegal trade, and finally, to manage health and epizootic aspects in the spirit of One Health.’
Practitioners play a ‘pivotal role’ in pet traceability
UEVP president Volker Moser, commented: ‘As practitioners, we have a pivotal role in the identification and registration of pets, and we play this role with dedication and responsibility. However, we need feasible, well thought-out and reliable legislation, with technically-sound, well-engineered solutions – without added bureaucracy. As vets we are trusted partners to combat illegal pet trade and spread of diseases but not sheriffs.’ A solid reinforcement system is therefore key.
Next steps
While the ENVI committee proposed a number of interesting amendments in its opinion, including mandatory registration of microchipped dogs and cats by a vet within seven days and stronger monitoring and evaluation requirements for the Commission - it’s now up to the European Parliament’s AGRI Committee to debate and vote (on 3 June), after which it will go to a plenary vote. This is followed by the so-called trilogue negotiations between the Council and European Parliament, likely after the summer, with a possible final adoption of the European text in late 2025 or early 2026.