The European Parliament has adopted common rules for the breeding, marketing, and protection of dogs and cats

The European Parliament has adopted on Tuesday the first common rules at the level of the European Union for the breeding, marketing, and protection of dogs and cats, with the aim of combating abuse and illegal trade in pets.

The project was voted with an overwhelming majority: 558 votes 'for', 35 'against', and 52 abstentions. Among the main measures are the mandatory microchipping and registration of animals in interconnected national databases. Breeders and sellers will have four years to comply, while ordinary owners have longer deadlines.

The rule prohibits breeding between close relatives and selection for extreme traits. Abusive practices, such as mutilations for competitions, are also banned. The new regulations also target animal imports and online trade, requiring identification and registration of animals before entering the EU.

Veronika Vrecionová, the rapporteur of the project, emphasized the importance of these strict norms for the protection of pets. Approximately 44% of EU citizens own pets, and the trade in them is estimated at over one billion euros annually. The regulations must also be approved by the Council of the European Union to become applicable.