go to the original language article
Brussels – The member states of the European Union have reached a provisional agreement on measures to improve the welfare of dogs and cats. Private individuals will not be covered by the rules, they are intended for breeders, traders, and shelters.
Throughout the EU, more than 72 million dogs and more than 83 million cats are kept as companion or pet animals. Because many citizens want to see the welfare of the animals improved, the European Commission came up with a series of proposals. These have now been discussed and approved by the member states.
Breeders and sellers will have to ensure sufficient clean water and food and free up enough animal caretakers. Dogs and cats that are 12 weeks or older will need to be walked daily or given access to an outdoor space.
Breeders must have official recognition once they have five litters per year. Breeding practices such as inbreeding and crossing with a wild species will be prohibited, and dogs and cats with extreme characteristics will be excluded from breeding. Mutilations such as ear clipping, tail docking, or claw removal will be prohibited, unless deemed necessary from a veterinary standpoint.
The member states still have to negotiate the measures with the European Parliament.