EU: Parliament Calls for Stricter Rules on Dog and Cat Welfare

On 19 June 2025, Members of the European Parliament adopted a draft law by a broad majority that, for the first time, aims to establish binding minimum standards for the keeping, breeding, and traceability of dogs and cats in the EU. The objective is to better protect animal welfare and curb the illegal trade in pets. Among the measures, all dogs and cats would have to be microchipped and registered in interoperable national databases across the EU. This information would also be made accessible through a central EU database under the supervision of the European Animal Health Authority. Furthermore, breeding between close relatives (e.g. parent-offspring or siblings) would be prohibited. The draft law also explicitly bans the breeding of extreme traits that compromise animal welfare, such as brachycephaly or excessively long spines. Animals exhibiting such features would no longer be permitted to participate in shows or competitions. The sale of dogs and cats in pet shops would be banned, and the use of prong or choke collars—as well as tethering without medical justification—would be prohibited. While animal welfare organisations have broadly welcomed the initiative, they have also criticised certain aspects, such as the exemptions for small-scale breeders (up to three litters per year) and the insufficient regulation of online sales. Members of the European Parliament will now enter into negotiations with the Council on the final shape of the law.