European Parliament Approves Landmark Law to Enhance Dog and Cat Welfare Across EU
The European Parliament has approved a draft law aimed at enhancing dog and cat welfare across the EU.
Key Points
- • European Parliament voted 457 to 17 in favor of new dog and cat welfare law.
- • Mandatory microchipping and registration of all dogs and cats in national databases.
- • Proposed ban on selling dogs and cats in pet shops to prevent illegal sales.
- • Stringent breeding restrictions against closely related animals and those with excessive traits.
On June 19, 2025, the European Parliament decisively approved a groundbreaking draft law aimed at establishing minimum welfare standards for dogs and cats throughout the EU. The legislation passed with a significant vote of 457 in favor, 17 against, and 86 abstentions, reflecting a growing commitment to animal rights within European legislation.
The new rules mandate that all dogs and cats in the EU must be individually identifiable, requiring mandatory microchipping and registration in national databases. This initiative aims to create a more organized approach to pet ownership and traceability, helping to combat illegal breeding and sales. A central index database, maintained by the European Commission, will collect microchip identification numbers alongside details from national databases. Notably, it also includes a prohibition on selling dogs and cats in pet shops, a move designed to deter unethical breeding practices.
Additionally, the draft law implements stringent restrictions on breeding practices. It prohibits breeding between closely related animals (such as parents and offspring) and restricts breeding of animals with excessive conformational traits harmful to welfare. The proposed laws also ban tethering and the use of certain collars unless medically necessary, marking a significant shift toward prioritizing animal welfare in breeding and care practices.
Rapporteur Veronika Vrecionová emphasized the essence of these measures, stating, "This marks a clear move against illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU.” The legislation stems from the EU's broader commitment to improving animal welfare standards, responding to public concerns rooted in the growing pet trade valued at approximately €1.3 billion annually, with about 44% of citizens owning pets.
As member states prepare to adopt these new standards, the legislation reflects a unified approach to enhance the treatment and care of pets. Future steps will involve negotiations with the Council of the EU to finalize the law's shape, marking yet another step in the EU's ongoing efforts to strengthen animal rights across its member nations.
With the potential for significant impacts on how dogs and cats are bred, sold, and cared for in the EU, this initiative may set a precedent for animal welfare standards worldwide.
The next phase will focus on how individual member states implement these measures, which experts believe could transform pet ownership norms across Europe.