Hairy Revolution In Europe! Goodbye to Abuse, Hello to Total Identification of Dogs and Cats

Hairy Revolution in Europe! Goodbye to Abuse, Hello to Total Identification of Dogs and Cats

The European Union approves a pioneering regulation to guarantee the well-being and traceability of our pets.

The outlook for animal lovers in Europe is about to change radically. After months of intense debates and negotiations, the European Parliament and the Member States of the Council of the European Union have sealed a historic agreement: the EU Dog and Cat Welfare and Traceability Regulation. This new regulation, which seeks to eradicate abuse and ensure dignified care for our four-legged companions, establishes a common framework for the breeding, sale, care and import/export of dogs and cats throughout the community territory.

The approval in the European Parliament was overwhelming, with an overwhelming support of 558 votes in favor, only 35 against and 52 abstentions. This vote marks a milestone, giving the green light to the first EU rules designed specifically to protect cats and dogs from abuse at all stages of their lives, from birth to possible movement between countries.

One of the most significant measures of this new regulation is the mandatory nature of microchip identification for all dogs and cats within the EU, without exception. This includes pets residing in private homes. In addition, these microchips must be registered in interoperable national databasescreating an information network that will facilitate the monitoring and identification of animals in case of loss or mistreatment. Professionals in the sector, such as sellers, breeders and shelters, will have a period of four years from the entry into force of the legislation to adapt to these new requirements. For owners of pets who are not engaged in breeding or selling, the term is extended, becoming mandatory for dogs after 10 years and for cats after 15 years.

But protection goes beyond simple identification. The regulation introduces a series of clear prohibitions to guarantee animal welfare. It is declared the prohibition of mutilation of dogs and cats for aesthetic purposes or for participation in shows, exhibitions or competitions. Likewise, cruel practices such as tie a dog or cat to an objectunless strictly necessary for veterinary treatment. The use of clamp and choke collars, which do not have safety mechanisms, is also prohibited, prioritizing the comfort and safety of the animals.

The regulations also extend their reach to animals that come from outside the European Union. With the aim of closing legal gaps that allowed the entry of dogs and cats as non-commercial pets and then being sold, the new legislation covers both imports for commercial purposes and movements of non-commercial animals. This means that any dog ​​or cat crossing EU borders for sale must be microchipped before entry in the community territory and, subsequently, registered in a national database. This registration must be carried out with a minimum notice of five business days upon arrival of the animal, unless it is already listed in the database of a member country.

Although the first step has already been taken with parliamentary approval, we still have to wait for the legislation to be officially adopted by the Council so that it can come into force. If the deadlines are met, the regulations are expected to begin to apply next year, marking the beginning of a new era of protection for our loyal colleagues.

Frequently Asked Questions about the New EU Animal Welfare Regulation:

When will the new regulations come into force?

The regulations are expected to begin to apply next year, once they are officially adopted by the Council of the European Union.

Should all dogs and cats be microchipped?

Yes, the new regulation requires all dogs and cats in the EU, including those owned by individuals, to be identified with a microchip.

What deadlines do sellers and breeders have to adapt?

Sellers, breeders and shelters will have four years from the legislation coming into force to prepare for the new measures.

What about pet owners who don't sell animals?

For them, identification provisions will be mandatory after 10 years for dogs and after 15 years for cats.

What abusive practices are explicitly prohibited?

The mutilation of dogs and cats for shows, tethering a dog or cat to an object (except for medical treatment), and the use of clamp and choke collars without safety mechanisms are prohibited.

How will it affect animals imported from outside the EU?

Dogs and cats imported for sale must be microchipped before entering the EU and registered in a national database at least five working days before arrival.

Will the importation of non-commercial animals be allowed?

The new legislation covers both commercial imports and non-commercial movements of animals to close loopholes that allowed illegal sales.

What happens if my pet already has a microchip?

If the pet is already registered in the database of an EU country, it will be considered valid.

What organizations have approved this legislation?

The European Parliament and the member states of the Council of the European Union.

Where can I find more information about animal protection in the EU?

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