EU takes a stand to protect pets

The EU Parliament voted for a new law, which could change the lives of millions Pets (mostly cats and dogs), and their owners.
The legislation, which was passed with the strong support of MEPs, lays out EU-wide regulations to ensure better treatment, safe breeding practices, as well as greater protection against illegal trade and abuse.

The first time in Europe, companion animals are legally protected no matter where they reside.
Stopping Cruelty behind Closed Doors
Behind the scenes of Europe’s booming pet trade, a darker reality has been left uncontrolled — unregulated breeding, animals raised in poor conditions e.g Puppy mills, and online sales where buyers know little about the animal’s past or health.
This new legislation aims to end that.
During the debate, one MEP stated that “all animals deserve to treated with respect and care.” “This is about more than legislation — it’s about compassion.”
All cats and dogs that are sold, rehomed or moved within the EU will be required to have a microchip and register in a traceable data base. These systems will be linked up in Europe and help owners reunite with lost pets. They will also make it harder for dog thieves to steal dogs to use for illegal dogfights.

Healthier, Happier Animals

Legislation also establishes clear standards on how animals are to be cared for and bred. This means that animals should be kept in a clean and safe environment, socialised regularly, and there are limits to how many females can be used as breeding stock.
Breeding for looks at the cost of an animal’s health — like brachycephalic dogs such as bulldogs and pugs that struggle to breathe will be banned. Cruelties like chaining dogs for long periods of times or using prong or choke collars are prohibited.
Animal welfare advocates have said that these animals are not commodities, but living sentient creatures. “It is time to stop treating them as commodities.”

Say goodbye to pet shop puppies?

Another important proposal: the end of selling cats and dogs in pet shops. Instead, only registered breeders and verified shelters would be allowed to sell them or offer them for adoption — either in person or through trusted platforms.
It is important to reduce impulse purchases and encourage thoughtful adoption.

Online Pet Trade: How to Clean Up?

Online platforms are now responsible for new duties, since the internet has become the most popular place to buy pets. Sellers must prove the animal’s origin, health, and registration, so that buyers know exactly what they’re getting — and who from.
No more fake profile, no mystery puppies. There will be more transparency and less heartbreak.
Now, the law will be negotiated with EU governments. If adopted, it could come into force in the next couple of years — a timeline that many campaigners say can’t come soon enough.
Families, animal shelters and the animals themselves all have a common goal: to see pets treated in Europe as more than just property.
One MEP said: “You can learn a lot about the country based on how they treat their animals”. Today, we took a step towards being a little kinder — and a lot more responsible.”

Will Spain be able to keep up? And what about their hunting dogs that are excluded from their national animal welfare law – Will they now be forced to include them?