EU adopts first bloc-wide law to regulate pet breeding, sales

The European Parliament has approved the European Union’s first comprehensive legislation establishing unified rules for the keeping, breeding, and sale of cats and dogs, in a move aimed at tackling animal cruelty and the illegal pet trade across the bloc.

The measure, adopted by 558 lawmakers, was originally proposed by the European Commission in late 2023. It introduces a standardised framework for animal welfare, marking a significant step toward harmonising regulations among EU member states, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Under the new law, all cats and dogs in the EU will be required to be microchipped and registered in interoperable national databases. Transitional periods have been provided to allow compliance: shelters and breeders will have four years to adapt, while private pet owners will have up to 10 years for dogs and 15 years for cats.

The legislation also places strict limits on breeding practices deemed harmful to animal health. It bans inbreeding and the selective breeding of animals with exaggerated physical traits that can cause suffering or medical issues. Cosmetic procedures such as ear cropping and tail docking are likewise prohibited.

Additional provisions restrict the use of certain types of collars and long-term tethering of animals, except where medically necessary.

The law further tightens controls on the importation of pets into the EU. Animals brought in for commercial purposes must be microchipped before entry and registered in national systems. New safeguards have also been introduced to prevent the misuse of “non-commercial” pet movement rules by traffickers.

The legislation is expected to enter into force following formal approval by the Council of the EU, with which a preliminary agreement has already been reached.

By Sabina Mammadli