The European Parliament Approves a New Regulation to Protect Dogs and Cats in the EU

The European Parliament approves a new regulation to protect dogs and cats in the EU

The legislation seeks to guarantee animal welfare and establish clear standards for the identification and breeding of pets.

On April 28, 2026, the European Parliament took a significant step in the protection of companion animals by approving a new regulation establishing a common framework for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats in the European Union. This agreement was reached after months of negotiations and was supported with 558 votes in favor, 35 against and 52 abstentions. With this initiative, the EU seeks to regulate fundamental aspects such as the breeding, sale, housing and care of these animals, as well as their import and export.

One of the main novelties introduced by this legislation is the obligation to identify all dogs and cats in the EU using microchips. This measure will not only apply to animals from breeders and shelters, but also to those belonging to individuals. In addition, these microchips will be required to be registered in interoperable national databases, which will facilitate the monitoring of animals and their well-being.

Sellers, breeders and shelters will have four years to adapt to these new regulations once the law goes into effect, although the exact date has not yet been announced. On the other hand, pet owners who are not involved in the sale of animals must comply with these provisions after a period of 10 years for dogs and 15 for cats.

The regulation also prohibits practices that endanger the health of animals. This includes breeding between an animal and its offspring up to the second degree, as well as breeding of specimens that share a parent or that belong to the same litter. Likewise, the selection of exaggerated traits that can lead to significant health problems is prohibited, thus guaranteeing a more ethical and responsible approach to pet breeding.

Other important measures include a ban on the mutilation of dogs and cats for shows, exhibitions or competitions. It also establishes that tying an animal to an object can only be done for medical reasons, and the use of clamp collars and chokes without safety mechanisms is prohibited. These regulations seek to prevent unnecessary suffering of animals and encourage more humane treatment of them.

In order to close loopholes that allowed dogs and cats to enter the EU under the pretext of being non-commercial pets, the new legislation covers both commercial imports and non-commercial movements of animals. This means that all dogs and cats imported from outside the Union for sale must be microchipped before entry and registered in a national database at least five working days before arrival, unless they are already registered in an EU country.

The legislation, which must be ratified by the Council of the European Union before coming into force, reflects a growing EU commitment to animal protection, aligning with the expectations of citizens who demand higher standards of welfare for their pets. This new framework will not only benefit animals, but will also promote a culture of responsibility among owners and breeders, while combating the illegal pet trade.

The next steps are crucial to ensure that this regulation is implemented effectively. Animal rights groups have expressed their support for this legislation, highlighting that it is a fundamental step forward towards more dignified and respectful treatment of companion animals throughout Europe. Furthermore, this initiative is expected to drive a cultural change in the way animals are perceived and cared for on the continent.

FAQ

1. What does the new regulation approved by the European Parliament establish?
The regulation regulates the breeding, sale, housing and care of dogs and cats in the EU, including the obligation to identify them using microchips.

2. How much time do breeders have to adapt to the new regulations?
They will have a period of four years from the entry into force of the legislation.

3. What should pet owners who do not sell animals do?
They must comply with the new provisions after 10 years for dogs and 15 for cats.

4. Are some breeding practices prohibited under the new regulation?
Yes, breeding between animals and their offspring is prohibited up to the second degree and the breeding of specimens with excessive traits that may affect their health.

5. What measures are taken regarding the mutilation of pets?
Mutilation for shows, exhibitions or competitions is prohibited.

6. How will imports of dogs and cats be regulated?
All animals imported for sale will be required to be microchipped and registered in a national database prior to entry.

7. What impact will this legislation have on animal welfare?
It is expected to promote more responsible and ethical treatment of companion animals across the EU.

8. What do animal rights organizations think about this legislation?
Organizations have expressed their support, considering it a significant advance in animal protection.

9. What happens if a landlord does not comply with the new regulations?
Specific penalties have not yet been detailed, but it is expected that there will be penalties for those who violate the regulations.

10. Where can I get more information on this topic?
We invite you to join our Telegram channel to receive updates and news on animal welfare: https://t.me/casino_gurus.