This week the European Parliament voted in favour of the first EU law to protect cats and dogs. Liberals welcome this new law, which will protect our dogs and cats from animal cruelty.
The law focuses on:
- Controls how cats and dogs are bred and placed on the EU market
- Avoids abuses, painful practices and risks for animal health
- Allows traceability and set minimum welfare standards for breeders, sellers, shelters and foster homes.
Renew Europe's shadow rapporteur on this file, Michal Wiezik MEP (Progresívne Slovensko, SK) commented on this:
“No more abuses and illegal trade with our beloved companions. This vote stops the commercial practices that used to put pets at risk of cruelty. It is a final step of a long-awaited regulation which protects our most vulnerable furry friends and their owners. It is a sign of humanity.”
New measures include an easy registration system to better detect illegal pet movements from outside the EU. They also improve animal welfare through informed adoption, stronger support for shelters and better training for staff in professional facilities.
Wiezik explained what the new measures mean:
“In addition to clearer welfare safeguards, citizens will be able to verify the breeder at sale and they will get clear information on their pet’s origin and health. Not only are we now finally able to prevent illegal breeding and fraudulent trading, but the life will also be easier for all animal lovers – with an ID and registration for all cats and dogs, with easier travel or return of lost pets, with more care, integrity and responsibility and a clear reminder that an animal is not a toy.”
Until now, there was no common EU framework, which allowed illegal pet trade to grow across borders. With over 60% of sales now happening online, often through unreliable sources, the new rules will ensure pets come from suppliers that meet proper welfare standards.
The regulation also strengthens enforcement, as digital records will help crack down on illegal trade and protect compliant breeders from unfair competition. The planned digital Pet Passport will further simplify procedures and make it easier to detect unlawful movements.