EU introduces new strict rules for dog and cat breeders.

According to ТСН: The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission have reached an agreement on a new regulation aimed at protecting dogs and cats, as well as stopping illegal animal trade.

“Today's progress helps us further combat illegal puppy trading and the so-called dog mafia,” said the environmental representative of the largest group in the European Parliament (EPP), Peter Liese.

Key points of the new regulation

The new regulation introduces uniform standards for sellers and shelters across the EU. The requirements will concern hygiene, transportation, and feeding of animals – everything will be clearly regulated. Each animal must be chipped and registered.

All information about animals will be stored in a centralized EU database. Animals imported into the EU from third countries for sale must also be chipped and registered. Pet owners entering the EU are required to register their pets online at least five days before arrival.

Prohibitions and restrictions

New rules prohibit the use of painful training methods and shock collars. MEPs also support a ban on keeping or selling dogs and cats in pet stores.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that following the historic ban on dog meat consumption in South Korea, around half a million dogs have been left without a future.

Implementing new standards for animal protection is a significant step in combating illegal trade. These measures are expected not only to reduce the amount of cruelty towards dogs and cats but also to raise public awareness about the ethics of keeping animals domestically. Over time, such changes may positively affect the situation of animals in need of protection in Europe.