Improving the welfare of dogs and cats
In 2023 Eurobarometer conducted a special survey on the attitude of the EU citizens on animal welfare issues. It clearly shows that Europeans are concerned about how humanely are treated both farm animals and pets.
In December 2023 European commission offered new rules and requirements that aim to guarantee better living conditions of dogs and cats in the European Union.
The proposals of the European Commission have been discussed in the Council of the EU and are about to enter the first reading in the European Parliament.
Who will be affected by the proposal of the Commission?
The proposal is based on the fundamental principle that dogs and cats should be raised in conditions that respect their basic needs and allow them to behave naturally.
It is important that the newly proposed rules and requirements will not affect pet owners, but will only apply to dogs and cats kept by pet farm owners, dealers in pet shops and shelters.
What will be the main objectives of the Regulation on welfare of dogs and cats?
Harmonized common standards on animal welfare - minimum space allowed, no cages, access to natural light and open air, housing temperature ranges, feeding requirements.
Breeding requirements - breeding frequency, minimum age, prohibition of inbreeding.
Prohibition of painful mutilations - such as ear cropping and tail docking, declawing, resection of vocal cords.
Traceability requirements - mandatory microchipping of dogs and cats and registration in national databases that are interoperable at the European level. In this way, there will be traceability of animals, it will be possible to control their breeding, trade and movement, and citizens will have more reliable information when buying or adopting a pet.
Promoting competence for animal caretakers through courses and training on responsible and proper care and nutrition.
What are the expected effects?
The main objective is better treatment and improved welfare of cats and dogs.
The Regulation aims to act against the poor living and breeding conditions in some establishments, neglect and abuse of these animals, lack of or insufficient medical care.
The illegal trade in dogs and cats is also a major problem, leading to public health risks, economic damage and unfair competition to reputable establishments and shelters.
In addition, people who buy animals raised in poor conditions face higher veterinary costs. Some of these animals have behavioralas well as medical problems..