Filenews 8 December 2023
Proposals that include, for the first time, uniform rules at EU level on the breeding, living conditions and treatment of dogs and cats sold as pets and pets were presented by Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides and Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič at a press conference in Brussels on Thursday.
"Animal welfare is an issue that EU citizens care deeply about and from day one the effort to improve welfare has been our political priority," Kyriakides noted.
"Almost half of Europe's households have a dog or cat, which shows the importance of our actions today," he added.
In particular, the new rules on dog and cat welfare introduce for the first time uniform EU-wide standards for breeding, housing and handling dogs and cats in breeding establishments and pet shops, as well as in shelters.
The new rules also provide for mandatory identification and registration of cats and dogs in national databases, in order to combat illegal trade in animals, and to better control animal welfare conditions on the premises.
The animal welfare package also includes a reform of animal welfare rules during transport, which affect 1.6 billion animals transported to and from the EU every year, and new initiatives in response to the citizens' initiative 'Fur Free Europe' which calls for a ban on fur farming in the EU.
The two legislative proposals will now need to be processed and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Illegal trade on the Internet is a problem
Explaining the proposals for the welfare of dogs and cats, Kyriakides noted that the trade in these animals has skyrocketed. However, she added, "around 60% of dogs and cats today are purchased online and this brings new challenges," referring to the findings of a report showing the impact of illegal trade "often from outside the EU where rabies is an endemic disease and welfare standards are low."
For this reason, he stressed, "minimum rules in the EU are essential" as "they will not only ensure the health and welfare of our animals, but will also protect the health of our citizens, their rights as consumers and ensure fair competition for responsible businesses in the Single Market".
Among other things, the new proposal, which concerns pets (dogs and cats) bred or kept in breeding facilities, pet shops and shelters, provides for uniform minimum standards for their care and treatment.
It also provides for strict traceability requirements and automated controls for online sales, and Member States will have to offer training to animal handlers. Still, anyone buying a dog or cat will be informed about the importance of responsible ownership.
At the same time, imports of dogs and cats should meet equivalent welfare standards.
Transport of animals
Regarding the rules on the treatment of animals during transport, Kyriakides pointed out that they are being changed for the first time in 20 years "to improve their welfare and prevent mistreatment of animals during transport".
"Animal welfare is not only essential for animal health and welfare, but also for a humane, healthy and sustainable society," he said.
The new rules proposed for the transport of animals concern a reduction in transport time, and breaks in long journeys to unload animals to rest and feed, while specific rules will apply to animals for slaughter and vulnerable animals.
Among other things, the minimum space provided for various animals will be increased, and transport in extreme temperatures will be subject to strict conditions, such as transport taking place exclusively at night when temperatures are higher than 30 degrees Celsius, and animals being protected from cold temperatures.
Regarding the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) "Fur Free Europe", which calls for a ban on fur farming by the EU and the sale of products containing fur in the single market, the Commission replied that it had mandated EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) to provide a scientific opinion on the welfare of animals kept for fur.
The report is expected by March 2025 and the Commission will announce actions based on scientific findings and following an economic and social impact assessment.
CNA
