The European Union is proposing new legislation to improve animal welfare across the bloc. The law will cover areas such as breeding, pet shops, shelters, and imports.
The Committee of the Regions (CORE) has called for the European Council to initiate legislation to improve animal welfare across the EU. This initiative focuses on ensuring the well-being of cats and dogs under the care of breeders, pet shops, and shelters.
Key Objectives:
Enhanced Consumer Protection: The proposed law aims to strengthen consumer protection by ensuring that animals sold in the EU meet strict welfare standards.
Fair Competition: The legislation aims to level the playing field for businesses involved in the pet trade by enforcing consistent standards across the EU.
Combating Illegal Trade: The proposal seeks to combat illegal animal trafficking by improving traceability and enforcement mechanisms.
Microchipping for Pets Entering the EU
While the proposed law does not directly impact current pet owners, it mandates that all animals entering the EU must be microchipped for identification purposes. This regulation is crucial, considering the EU's vast pet population, with over 72 million dogs and 83 million cats.
Interoperable Databases and Animal Welfare Standards
A network of interconnected databases will be established to facilitate animal tracking and identification across EU member states. These databases will be accessible online.
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Animal Welfare Standards
The proposal upholds the core animal welfare principles previously outlined by the European Commission, including:
Regulated Breeding: Breeding practices will be regulated, establishing limits on breeding frequency, minimum and maximum breeding ages, and prohibiting certain practices like excessive litter sizes and inbreeding.
Ban on Painful Mutilations: Mutilations such as ear cropping, tail docking, and declawing will be prohibited,except for medically necessary procedures.
Access to Water, Food, and Exercise: Dogs must have access to clean, fresh water, adequate food, and appropriate living conditions. Daily outdoor access or walks are mandatory for dogs aged over 12 weeks.
Stricter Requirements for Breeding Establishments, Pet Shops, and Shelters:
Breeding establishments will only be authorized following veterinary inspections to ensure proper animal care and living conditions. Pet shops and shelters will also be subject to stricter regulations to uphold animal welfare standards.
EU Pet Import Requirements
Pet imports will be subject to EU animal welfare standards or equivalent standards to ensure consumer protection and animal traceability within the EU. Additionally, pet registration in an EU database within five working days of entering the EU is mandated to facilitate animal monitoring and control.
The proposed EU pet law represents a significant step towards enhancing animal welfare across the EU. By establishing stricter standards and enforcing traceability measures, the legislation aims to protect animals and promote responsible pet ownership practices.
Additional Information:
The proposed law is currently in the consultation phase, and its final form may vary.
The European Parliament and the Council of the EU will need to approve the legislation before it can take effect.
Show your support for improved animal welfare by sharing this information and advocating for responsible pet ownership practices.
Source: Capital.ro
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