European Parliament and Council negotiators have agreed on new rules to stop abuse of dogs and cats in the EU. The draft bill, informally approved on Tuesday, establishes the first EU standards for breeding, housing, traceability, import and handling of the animals. Dogs and cats kept in the EU, whether in private ownership, breeding or shelter, will be identified with a microchip and registered in interoperable national databases. Sellers, breeders and shelters have four years to comply; pet owners will be required to microchip their animals ten years after the rule for dogs and fifteen years for cats. The agreement also bans breeding that leads to excessive physical traits, prohibits breeding of close relatives, and prohibits animals from shows, tethering, and use of prong or choke collars. It extends the rules to imports for both commercial and non‑commercial movements, requiring microchipping before entry and pre‑registration for pet owners.
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Summary adapted from material on the European Parliament website (https://www.europarl.europa.eu ).
Original source © European Union – Source: European Parliament.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20251121IPR31539/protection-of-dogs-and-cats-deal-on-eu-rules-to-stop-abuse
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