On Wednesday, the EU's AGRI Committee will debate a proposal to introduce minimum welfare and traceability standards for dogs and cats across the European Union. The draft legislation, proposed by the European Commission on 7 December 2023, would establish EU-wide rules for the first time. But animal welfare groups warn that significant shortcomings could remain.
The proposal aims to ensure that cats and dogs are registered, identified and included in a centralised EU database. It would impose stricter rules on breeders and keepers, ban cosmetic surgery and tighten rules on online trading – a sector rife with illegal activities that harm animal welfare, consumers and public finances.
Reineke Hameleers of the Eurogroup for Animals told The Brussels Times that the legislation could fall short, stressing that all dogs and cats must be identified and registered, not just those in establishments or on the market. She also called for stricter housing standards, a health and welfare certification scheme to address extreme physical characteristics, and restrictions on the breeding and sale of animals with exaggerated features such as short muzzles or bulging eyes.
Different welfare standards
FOUR PAWS also raised serious concerns about the rapidly growing pet trade, estimated to be worth 1.3 billion euros a year. The animal welfare organisation highlighted the stark differences in welfare standards across EU Member States and the prevalence of poor practices, particularly in online and illegal sales, which remain widespread.
Nick Weston, Head of International Companion Animal Campaigns at FOUR PAWS, underlined the seriousness of the problem in a press release: “The illegal puppy trade has been recognised as international organised crime, which causes severe animal cruelty and considerable mental and financial pain to consumers who fall victim to it,” he said. “This is the EU's opportunity to stop it.”
Growing online market
The illegal pet trade has soared, driven by the growing online market, which accounts for 60% of dog and cat sales in the EU. According to FOUR PAWS, more than 2,000 new dog ads are posted every day on classifieds sites in countries such as France, Germany, Poland and Italy.
Four out of five dog ads are for puppies, raising doubts about the legitimacy of sellers and highlighting the difficulty of moderating online platforms. The lack of EU-wide mandatory identification of pets and owners further hampers traceability and allows unethical breeders to exploit legal loopholes.
Booming business
The pet trade is also booming in Belgium, where FOUR PAWS estimates that 176,435 puppies are needed annually to meet a demand worth 167.4 million euros. Legitimate breeders are struggling to keep up, leaving room for illegal traders and cruel breeding practices.
There is currently no EU legislation on dog and cat welfare or traceability, and individual efforts by Member States have had limited impact. With 79 million cats and 68 million dogs in the EU, public support for better animal welfare remains high.
© Jaap Arriens/ZUMA Press Wire
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