The European Parliament has passed a Bill (28th April) that seeks to stop abusive practices, curb cruel business methods and protect the health of cats and dogs in its members states.

By 558 votes in favour, 35 against, and with 52 abstentions, MEPs gave their final green light to the first ever EU standards for the breeding, housing, traceability, import and handling of cats and dogs.

In the absence of animal welfare standards for dogs and cats across EU countries, the Commission proposed the new rules on 7 December 2023.

The new regulation, already agreed with Council, introduces an obligation for all dogs and cats kept in the EU, including those in private ownership, to be identifiable with microchips and registered in interoperable national databases.