Brussels, June 4 — The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee has adopted new draft rules to improve the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs across the EU. The proposal passed with 35 votes in favor, 2 against, and 9 abstentions.
Who Must Follow the New Rules
The proposed regulations will apply to anyone breeding or selling cats and dogs in commercial settings, including shelters and foster homes. However, they will not affect private pet owners.
Mandatory Microchipping
Under the new rules, all cats and dogs bred, sold, housed in shelters, or offered online for sale or adoption must be microchipped. Each animal’s microchip number will be recorded in national databases that can communicate with each other. The European Commission will manage a central index linking all national databases.
Tighter Controls on Imports
To stop pets from being imported as non-commercial animals and later sold illegally, the rules would also cover non-commercial pet movements. Cats and dogs imported from non-EU countries for sale must be microchipped before entering the EU. They must be registered in a national database within two working days of arrival.
Pet owners bringing their animals into the EU for non-commercial reasons must register their microchipped pets online at least five working days before entry.
Stricter Breeding and Welfare Measures
The draft legislation bans breeding between close relatives, such as parents and offspring or siblings. Kittens and puppies must stay with their mothers for at least eight weeks unless a vet approves earlier separation.
To prevent exploitation, female animals will have a limit on the number of litters they can produce and must have rest periods between pregnancies.
The proposal also bans the breeding of animals with extreme physical traits that pose health risks. Such animals, along with those that have been mutilated, would be barred from shows, exhibitions, and competitions.
Committee Chair Speaks Out
Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, Czech Republic), rapporteur and Chair of the Agriculture Committee, said after the vote:
“This proposal is a clear move against illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU. At the same time, it fully respects ordinary owners and responsible breeders who should not be unduly burdened by regulations.”
What’s Next
The draft legislation will now go to a vote in the European Parliament’s plenary session. If approved, negotiations with EU governments will begin.
Why It Matters
Nearly 44% of EU households own a pet, and the trade in cats and dogs is growing rapidly. According to the European Commission, the market is worth around €1.3 billion annually. Online sales—both legal and illegal—account for 60% of transactions. The proposed rules aim to create a unified standard for animal welfare across the EU, following the Commission’s proposal on December 7, 2023.