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DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

(COM(2023)0769 – C90443/2023 – 2023/0477(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2023)0769),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Articles 114 and 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C90443/2023),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 21 of March 2024,

– having regard to the opinion of the European Data Protection Supervisor of 14 November 2024,

– having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A10-0104/2025),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) Live animals, including cats and dogs are covered by Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and form part of the common agricultural policy of the Union. There is a market for these animals in the Union, including substantial cross-border trade. Many Member States are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. There is a wide range of evidence of sub-optimal functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats in the Union as well as of illegal trade in these animals within the Union and at import into the Union. Therefore, it is necessary to establish minimum requirements for the welfare of dogs and cats bred and kept in establishments, as well as strengthened requirements regarding the traceability of dogs and cats supplied in the Union.

(1) Live animals, including cats and dogs are covered by Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, form part of the common agricultural policy of the Union and their welfare should be protected. There is a market for these animals in the Union, including substantial cross-border trade. Many Member States are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. There is a wide range of evidence of sub-optimal functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats in the Union as well as of illegal trade in these animals within the Union and at import into the Union. Therefore, considering the findings on animals, which recognise their capacity for emotions, pain and social interactions,it is necessary to establish minimum requirements for the welfare of dogs and cats that are bred and kept in establishments, as well as strengthened requirements regarding the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have very often led to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances detrimental to their welfare. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably between Member States. As a consequence, competition is distorted, especially for high standards breeders and keepers, which are unable to monetise their investments into animal welfare when they trade cross border because they are confronted with operators that profit from sub-standard animal welfare conditions to exert competition and drive prices and standards down.

(2) Dogs and cats, with its own unique biological and behavioural needs, are traded and kept as pets in the Union. The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have very often sometimes led to and to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances and to serious consequences detrimental to their welfare. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably between Member States. As a consequence, competition is distorted, especially for high standards breeders and keepers, which are unable to monetise their investments into animal welfare when they trade cross border because they are confronted with operators that profit from sub-standard animal welfare conditions to exert competition and drive prices and standards down.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) Also, consumers are insufficiently protected as they are often confronted, when acquiring a dog or a cat, with the negative consequences of the poor welfare conditions in which the animals have been bred and kept in the establishments, such as health problems, behavioural problems or genetic defects of the dog or cat purchased or acquired. To support informed consumer choices and promote compliance with Union rules, it is essential to inform the public and raise awareness of the difference between responsible and non-compliant or unlawful breeding practices.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4a) Cooperation between Member States should be enhanced in order to identify illegal breeding establishments, dismantle associated networks, and ensure effective enforcement of applicable rules. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, information exchange and coordinated inspections is essential to address the transnational nature of certain illegal activities and to protect animal welfare and consumer interests across the Union.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4b) The number of companion animals in the Union has increased significantly over recent years, reflecting the strong attachment of Union citizens to the welfare of dogs and cats. In light of developments in animal welfare science, the Union and its Member States should be encouraged to promote a legal approach that reflects not only the status of animals as property, but also the ethical responsibility of humans towards their welfare and protection.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the supplying of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats by a system that identifies and registers dogs and cats before their first supplying in the Union as well as each time there is a change of ownership of the animals.

(6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter and to consumers’ enthusiasm for these animals, facilitated by the development of online purchasing. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the placing on the market of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats by a system that identifies and registers dogs and cats before their first placing on the Union market as well as each time there is a change of ownership of the animals.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners of dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ databases at the place of destination. This will provide for greater control on the movements of those animals.

(7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners or persons responsible for dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ databases at the place of destination. This will provide for greater control on the movements of those animals.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) The traceability provisions of this proposal also contribute to the protection of public health via better animal welfare, better animal health, and better controls on the possible transmission of animal diseases (some of which being of zoonotic nature), this following a One Health approach.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8a) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council 54 regulates transmissible animal diseases for the purpose of avoiding the spread of such diseases in the Union. The health of animals is one of the five domains of animal welfare, and thus addressed in this Regulation. However, this Regulation does not address the diseases listed in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, but rather the state of health of dogs and cats as shaped by non-communicable diseases (for example injuries) or non-listed diseases (for example certain parasites). The rules laid down in this Regulation are therefore complementary to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and do not duplicate or overlap with the rules laid down in that Regulation.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 requires the identification of dogs and cats with a transponder but only if they are subject to movements between Member States entered into the Union. The identification required by that Regulation is not fully harmonised as it does not include precise standards regarding transponders. Furthermore, that Regulation does not require Member States to keep databases of dogs and cats. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats supplied in the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will facilitate finding information on dogs and cats across the Union, as well as enable competent authorities to carry out official controls to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules.

(10) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 requires the identification of dogs and cats with a transponder but only if they are subject to movements between Member States entered into the Union. The identification required by that Regulation is not fully harmonised as it does not include precise standards regarding transponders. Furthermore, that Regulation does not require Member States to keep databases of dogs and cats. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats placed on the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will facilitate finding information on dogs and cats across the Union, as well as enable competent authorities to carry out official controls to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11) The placing on the market of dogs and cats, whether for profit or at no cost, has an impact on the internal market. Therefore, to prevent fraud, traceability of all animals traded in the Union market should be ensured and the keeping of animals in breeding and selling establishments, pet foster homes or animal shelters should be subject to detailed rules. The military, police or customs that breed or keep dogs for their own services’ use are not in such situation as they do not carry out their breeding or keeping activities for the market.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(11a) The occasional supply of puppies and kittens by their owners who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship and without any commercial intent or purpose, does not have a significant impact on the internal market and it is therefore justified to exclude such supply activities from the scope of application of this Regulation .

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council regulates clinical trials for veterinary medicinal products involving the use of animals, including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats intended or used for scientific purposes as well as dogs and cats used in clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products should therefore be excluded from the scope of application of this Regulation

__________________

4 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33).

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the practical difficulties in certain cases to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or used for agricultural purposes, such as herding, guarding livestock, farm protection, or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold. Otherwise, those pet owners would be subject to the relevant requirements of this Regulation, which would not be proportionate. Stray cats that roam freely and that keep rodent populations in check, have long been part of this rural balance and serve a functional and symbiotic role on agricultural holdings. Rural and remote areas, where access to veterinary services and compliance infrastructure may be limited, as well as the need to avoid imposing a disproportionate burden on farmers and small-scale breeders, should be duly taken into account.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carrying out different types of activities supply dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are pet shops where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept for sale. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that pet shops are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.

(17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carrying out different types of activities with respect to the placing on the market of dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are selling establishments where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept for sale. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that selling establishments are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and pet shops, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all supply dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a pet shop or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of having been kept in poor welfare conditions and which may reduce their suitability to be kept as a pet animal, irrespective of whether the animal has been kept in a commercial breeding establishment, in a pet shop or in a shelter. Moreover, given that trade is also conducted by intermediaries and mostly online, consumers may not be aware before they acquire a dog or a cat of whether the animal originates from a shelter, a breeder or a pet shop. There is evidence that the number of animals supplied to the Union market by shelters is significant, in particular for cats. There is also evidence that animals are supplied from shelters in some Member States to prospective pet owners in other Member States, in particular for dogs. In order to ensure the achievement of the objective of this Regulation to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market in dogs and cats, and the rational development of the sector while ensuring a high level of animal welfare, it is necessary to apply some of the requirements of this Regulation to shelters that keep a certain minimum number of animals, irrespective of whether they sell animals against payment or only supply animals for free or upon reimbursement of reasonable costs. However, for reasons of proportionality and given that the activities of shelters differ from those of other operators and may fulfil a public interest function, only some of the requirements of this Regulation should apply to shelters, concerning, in particular the number and competence of animal caretakers, housing, feeding and watering, behavioural needs and painful practices, and advisory visits by a veterinarian.

(19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and selling establishments, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all place dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a selling establishment or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of having been kept in poor welfare conditions and which may reduce their suitability to be kept as a pet animal, irrespective of whether the animal has been kept in a commercial breeding establishment, in a selling establishment or in a shelter. Moreover, given that trade is also conducted by intermediaries and mostly online, consumers may not be aware before they acquire a dog or a cat of whether the animal originates from a shelter, a breeder or a selling establishment. Providing such information could assist buyers in making informed and responsible choices. There is evidence that the number of animals placed on the Union market by shelters is significant, in particular for cats. There is also evidence that animals are placed on from shelters in some Member States to prospective pet owners in other Member States, in particular for dogs. In order to ensure the achievement of the objective of this Regulation to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market in dogs and cats, and the rational development of the sector while ensuring a high level of animal welfare, it is necessary to apply some of the requirements of this Regulation to shelters that keep a certain minimum number of animals, irrespective of whether they place dogs or cats on the Union market sell animals against payment, for free or upon reimbursement of reasonable costs. However, for reasons of proportionality and given that the activities of shelters differ from those of other operators and may fulfil a public interest function, only some of the requirements of this Regulation should apply to shelters, concerning, in particular the number and competence of animal caretakers, housing, feeding and watering, behavioural needs and painful practices, and advisory visits by a veterinarian.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19a) Member States have observed the increasing use of foster homes by operators responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats . Given that the number of dogs and cats kept in foster homes may impact the market of dogs and cats, foster homes should be covered by this Regulation. In such cases, the operators placing the dogs or cats in foster homes should be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this Regulation are met in those foster homes. This could be achieved inter alia through the establishment of a contractual relationship between the operator and the foster family.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(20) In addition, given the significant numbers of animals supplied in the Union by shelters, and the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation regarding traceability and prevention of illegal trade, shelters should also be subject to the requirements of this Regulation concerning identification and registration of dogs and cats, regardless of whether or not their activity can be considered economic in nature.

(20) In addition, given the significant numbers of animals placed on market inthe Union by shelters, and the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation regarding traceability and prevention of illegal trade, shelters should also be subject to the requirements of this Regulation concerning identification and registration of dogs and cats, regardless of whether or not their activity can be considered economic in nature. Operators responsible for shelters should be encouraged to take appropriate measures to prevent reproduction of the dogs or catskept in shelters.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(23) In order to ensure proper enforcement of this Regulation, it is essential that competent authorities are able to identify the establishments subject to their official controls. It is therefore necessary that operators keeping dogs and cats in establishments notify their activities to the competent authorities and that the competent authorities keep an updated register of these establishments. In order to minimise the administrative burden for operators, competent authorities should be able, for that purpose, to use information or data collected in the register of dogs and cats establishments under Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 24

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(24) Well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Veterinarians should play an active role in raising awareness on the interrelationship between the health and welfare of those animals. Establishments keeping a number of dogs and cats that exceeds a certain threshold dogs and cats should therefore receive an animal welfare visit from a veterinarian within the first year of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place when appropriate, based on a risk analysis by the competent authorities.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25a) In order to ensure high level of animal welfare veterinarians maintain an appropriate degree of professional independence from the operator, as well as comprehensive education and ongoing training to stay abreast of scientific and professional advances. This training may, as appropriate, also encompass elements related to recognising instances of violence and animal abuse .

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25b) Where veterinarians encounter circumstances during their animal health and welfare visits that could seriously affect the welfare of dogs or cats, they are encouraged, where appropriate, to notify the relevant authorities or to consider conducting a follow-up visit to assess the situation.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25c) Ending the life of dogs and cats should preferably be assisted by a veterinarian using methods that minimise pain and distress. In exceptional cases, such as when a hunting or livestock guardian dog is severely injured in a remote location where veterinary help is not accessible, other methods may be used, provided they minimise suffering to the greatest extent possible.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26) Certain breeding strategies may lead to welfare problems for dogs and cats. By selecting certain genetic traits for aesthetic or other marketing reasons, undesirable traits from an animal welfare perspective may also be created and passed on to future generations. Therefore, operators should take measures to ensure that their breeding strategies do not lead to such negative consequences for the welfare of the dogs and cats. In particular, breeding strategies motivated by marketing objectives can result in certain types of dogs and cats developing ‘excessive conformational traits’. Since such excessive conformational traits can lead to significant health problems for the dogs and cats concerned, breeders should exclude them from breeding programmes.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 26 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(26a) Aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs or cats have an impact on the market opportunities and price for selling dogs and cats. Mutilations and certain breeding strategies that result in dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits can be advantageous for breeders competing in aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs or cats. Organising and participating in such events can be driven by factors other than animal welfare, such as aesthetic standards, with the aim of advertising certain breeds and physical characteristics. In order to ensure that breeders prioritise the welfare of the dogs and cats they produce and in particular that dogs and cats do not develop excessive conformational traits and breeders do not perform mutilations to attain unhealthy aesthetic standards, operators of breeding and selling establishments and the organisers of such shows, exhibitions and competitions should not use or include dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits or those which have been mutilated for these shows, exhibitions or competitions.

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 27

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(27) Scientific evidence demonstrates that inbreeding has significant negative impacts on animal health and welfare. Therefore, inbreeding of dogs and cats including first-degree and second-degree matings should be prohibited, as this increases the incidence of inherited disorders and compromises immune system function, both of which adversely impact the health and welfare of dogs and cats.

(27) Scientific evidence demonstrates that inbreeding has significant negative impacts on animal health and welfare. Therefore, inbreeding of dogs and cats between parents and offspring, between siblings, between half siblings or between grandparents and grandchildren should be prohibited, as this increases the incidence of inherited disorders and compromises immune system function, both of which adversely impact the health and welfare of dogs and cats. Inbreeding should nevertheless be possible, when necessary to preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool provided that it is authorised for that reason by the competent authority.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 29 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(29a) Scientific evidence confirms that consistent access to adequate nutrition and hydration is fundamental for the welfare of dogs and cats. It is therefore appropriate to lay down minimum requirements for operators in this respect. Feeding and drinking facilities should be kept clean, and designed, constructed and installed in such a way as to ensure equal access for all animals, thus minimising competition and avoiding agonistic behaviour. Such facilities should also be designed to minimise spillage, prevent contamination of feed and water with harmful substances, and avoid any risk of harm to dogs and cats.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 30

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(30) Scientific evidence is clear about the necessity for dogs and cats of having enough space to express their natural behaviour and having normal social interactions. This is not possible where animals are kept in confinement and in containers for long periods. The keeping of dogs and cats in containers for long periods should therefore be prohibited, except if needed for the transport and temporary, short term isolation of individual dogs and or cats and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, for puppies or kittens with reduced thermoregulation capacity or puppies or kittens together with their mothers provided that stress is minimised and suffering due to extreme temperatures is avoided and the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 33

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should only be bred after reaching skeletal as well as sexual maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three consecutive pregnancies should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period. Reproduction should gradually cease in bitches and queens coming into older age.

(33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should not be bred before reaching appropriate maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three pregnancies litters within a period of 2 years should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period, which should not be less of 1 year for bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns, within a period of 2 years. Reproduction should cease in bitches and queens coming into older age and in bitches and queens that have had two cesarean sections, as it cannot be excluded that an additional pregnancy will have a negative effect on their welfare. All females used for reproduction should be regularly monitored by a veterinarian.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 34 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(34a) Member States should lay down rules on effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for non-compliance with this Regulation, including cases of abandonment of dogs and cats by operators. Breeding establishments that engage in abusive practices compromising animal welfare should, in particular, be subject to strong and dissuasive penalties. Such practices should be unequivocally condemned, and responsible persons should be prevented from continuing their activities in any Member State. Competent authorities should ensure that animals kept in such establishments are promptly removed and provided with appropriate care and protection.

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 36

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(36) Procedures with the purpose of altering the appearance of or preventing certain behaviours of cats and dogs, such as ear cropping, tail docking, removal of claws and resection of vocal cords, have a serious negative impact on the welfare of cats and dogs. These procedures cause pain and prevent cats and dogs from expressing innate behaviours. For this reason, they should can only be allowed if performed by a veterinarian and only when necessary for medical reasons. However, for certain breeds, f.e. for hunting dogs, such procedures could be allowed for prophylactic, diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons, and only if carried out by a veterinarian. In specific contexts and regions of Europe, tail docking may also be justified to prevent tail injuries, provided it is based on a full and thorough medical evaluation.

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 36 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(36a) Dogs used in the military, police and customs services normally undergo a very specific type of training to be prepared in the interest of national security. In order to have the possibility to attain the training deemed most appropriate, Member States should be able to grant derogations for dogs kept in breeding or selling establishments which are destined to be military, police or custom dogs

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 37

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(37) The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly kept and treated before being placed on the market. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of their suppliers. Since all establishments have an extended time for application of requirements on housing and health, it is necessary that the obligation of breeding establishments to obtain an approval should start to apply on the same date as the requirements for housing and health.

(37) Prior inspection of establishments by official veterinarians or other professionals, in case the official control task has been delegated, and consequent approval of establishments is an effective way to ensure that establishments comply with the requirements of this Regulation. However, given the limited availability of official veterinarians in Member States, it is not proportionate to require prior on-site inspection and approval for all establishments so that official veterinarians should focus on establishments representing a higher risk from the point of view of animal welfare. The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly bred, kept and treated before being placed on the market, in particular due to the consequences that poor animal welfare conditions at an early age can have for dogs and cats. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of the breeding establishments and thus to strengthen public control and citizens' awareness

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 38

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(38) Some operators placing on the market dogs and cats encourage potential customers to buy at any cost using emotional arguments, without mentioning to the potential owner the consequences of owning a pet animal. Other operators or shelters insist on the responsibility attached to pet ownership and this has the effect of limiting their ability to sell animals. This discrepancy of attitudes of operators tends to advantage less responsible operators, leading to distortions of competition despite the importance for animal welfare and public order of informing customers about their responsibility when buying a dog or a cat. It is therefore justified to require that all operators placing of dogs and cats in the Union market for use as pets inform future owners on their responsibility. In addition, where the placing on the market of a dog or cat is facilitated by online means, an appropriate warning should accompany the online advertisement to efficiently convey the message of responsible ownership.

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonize the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal is supplied in the Union for the first time. Suppliers of dogs and cats should provide evidence of identification and registration in one of the databases established by Member States for this purpose, before the first placing on the market of the animal in the Union. Subsequently, at every change of ownership or responsibility for the animal, the supplier must provide proof of identification and registration of the animal in one of the databases. For the sake of proportionality, natural persons supplying dogs and cats occasionally by other means than online platforms should not be subject to this obligation.

(39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonize the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal placed on the Union market for the first time. Natural or legal persons placing of dogs and cats should provide evidence of identification and registration in one of the databases established by Member States for this purpose, before the first placing on the market of the animal in the Union. Subsequently, at every change of ownership or responsibility for the animal the change should be registered accordingly in one of the databases. For the sake of proportionality, natural persons supplying dogs and cats occasionally by other means than online platforms should not be subject to this obligation.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 40

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(40) Suppliers of dogs and cats should not only provide evidence of identification, showing a document referring to the code of the transponder implanted in the animal but also evidence of the registration of that animal into an official database. This allows key information about the animal to be passed on to the new owner and ensures traceability.

(40) Natural or legal persons placing dogs and cats on the Union market should not only provide evidence of identification, showing a document referring to the code of the transponder implanted in the animal but also evidence of the registration of that animal into an official database. This allows key information about the animal to be passed on to the new owner and ensures traceability.

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 41

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(41) As most dogs and cats are currently offered for sale or donation by means of listings placed on online platforms, providers of online platforms should act diligently when intermediating access to dogs and cats. Therefore, without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, online platforms should be required to adapt the modalities of their listings for dogs and cats so that suppliers provide proofs of the identification and registration of the dogs and cats intended for sale or donation. In addition, the Commission should ensure the development of a system publicly available free of charge allowing to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of a dog or a cat. This measure aims to better combat fraud by improving the traceability of dogs and cats supplied in the Union to their origin, allowing better controls by competent authorities and ultimately improving the welfare of these animals. This should not amount to an obligation for online platforms to generally monitor the listings offered through their platform, nor to a general fact-finding obligation aimed at assessing the accuracy of the identification and registration prior to the publication of the offer.

(41) As most dogs and cats are currently offered for sale or donation by means of advertisements placed on online platforms, providers of online platforms should act diligently when intermediating access to dogs and cats. Therefore, without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, online platforms should be required to adapt the modalities of their advertisements for dogs and cats so that natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the Union market provide proofs of the identification and registration of the dogs and cats intended for sale or donation. In addition, the Commission should ensure the development of a system publicly available free of charge allowing to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of a dog or a cat. This measure aims to better combat fraud by improving the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union to their origin, allowing better controls by competent authorities and ultimately improving the welfare of these animals. This should not amount to an obligation for online platforms to generally monitor the listings offered through their platform, nor to a general fact-finding obligation aimed at assessing the accuracy of the identification and registration prior to the publication of the offer.

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 43

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(43) To ensure traceability of dogs and cats, animals should not only be marked with a unique identifier in the form of transponder, but their identification should also be registered in a database. Therefore, Member States that do not yet have national databases for dogs and cats should establish such databases so that identification can be reliable and verified. In addition, to ensure traceability within the Union, these national databases should be interoperable, allowing competent authorities and relevant stakeholders to verify the authenticity of the identification.

(43) To ensure traceability of dogs and cats, they should not only be individually identified with a unique identifier in the form of a transponder, but their identification should also be registered in a database. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats placed on the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will make it easier for information on dogs and cats to be accessed across the Union, as well as enable competent authorities to carry out official checks to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules. In order to facilitate the interoperability between national databases, the Commission should establish an index database.

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 44 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(44a) In order to streamline cross-border movements of identified and registered dogs and cats, and to ensure timely access by veterinarians to relevant medical information, Member States are encouraged to establish a digital passport system. This digital document should include essential data on the animal’s identification and vaccination status, thereby enhancing both animal health management and administrative efficiency.

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 44 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(44b) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 44 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(44c) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures. The roles of the Commission and of the Member States in relation to the processing of personal data in cases under this Regulation need to be defined clearly in order to ensure a high level of data protection.

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(46) The provisions mentioned in the previous recital should be enforced through a listing of third countries approved to supply of dogs and cats to the Union based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which supply or intend to supply dogs and cats to the Union. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commission should, following a risk-based approach, carry out audits of the reliability of official control system of third countries approved under this Regulation as well as those requesting to be approved under this Regulation.

(46) Enforcement of import rules should be ensured through a listing of third countries approved to place dogs and cats on the Union market based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or recognised by the Union as equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which export or intend to export dogs and cats to the Union market. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commission should, following a risk-based approach, carry out audits of the reliability of official control system of third countries approved under this Regulation as well as those requesting to be approved under this Regulation. Lastly, compliance with the relevant rules of this Regulation or with rules recognised by the Union as equivalent rules should be certified in the relevant health certificate used for such exports. For that purpose, the Commission should endeavour to amend the relevant model of official certificate, in order to include the related animal welfare attestation.

Amendment 44

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(46a) To enhance consumer protection and to ensure the proper traceability of imports of dogs and cats into the Union, it is appropriate to require that they be identified before their entry and that the importers ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ databases. This will result in greater control on the movements of those animals. Furthermore, the EU Coordinated Action on the illegal trade of cats and dogs carried out in 2022 and 2023 demonstrated that one of the common fraudulent practices with the trade in dogs and cats consists in importing into the Union dogs and cats intended for trade claiming that those movements are non-commercial movements as defined by Union animal health rules, namely movements of dogs and cats accompanying their owners or a person authorised by the owner without the intention to transfer ownership. In order to provide tools for Member States to perform risk-based checks targeting this fraudulent practice, it is essential that the entry of dogs and cats as non-commercial be pre-notified through a dedicated Union pet travellers’ database. This database should collect notifications for all such entries into the Union regardless of the point of entry, for Member States to have the necessary overview and detect suspicious movements. For that reason it is appropriate that the Commission establish and maintain that database so that Member States have access to all available information for their checks.

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(47) Under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, a list of third countries authorised for the purpose of entry into the Union of dogs and cats is established for the purpose of managing the risk of introducing transmissible animal diseases into the Union. The list of third countries mentioned in the previous recital should therefore be limited to third countries authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and which provide appropriate guarantees of the capacity of their competent authority to control and ensure compliance of the establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats for export to the Union with the animal welfare requirements set out in this Regulation.

(47) Under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, a list of third countries authorised for the purpose of entry into the Union of dogs and cats is established for the purpose of managing the risk of introducing transmissible animal diseases into the Union. The list of third countries mentioned in recital 46 should therefore be limited to third countries authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and which provide appropriate guarantees of the capacity of their competent authority to control and ensure compliance of the establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats for export to the Union with the animal welfare requirements set out in this Regulation.

Amendment 46

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(47a) In order to effectively trace the origin of the dog or a cat in the third country and to address illegal imports into the Union and fraudulent practices under the pretext of non-commercial movements as defined by Union Animal Health rules, it is important that dogs and cats are imported from third countries in compliance with this Regulation as regards their registration into a Member State database within 2 working days after their entry into the Union.

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 48

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of amending Article 6 to this Regulation so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes that have detrimental effects on the health or welfare of the dogs and cats.

(48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, especially the opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of supplementing Article 6a of this Regulation to define the characteristics of genotypes, phenotypes, and excessive conformational traits that should be excluded from reproduction, so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes that have detrimental effects on the health or welfare of the dogs and cats. In the context of aesthetic shows, exhibitions, and competitions, after considering both EFSA’s scientific opinion and the specific social and economic circumstances of the sector, the delegated acts should reflect a progressive and balanced approach, in order to ensure proportionate and practically achievable implementation."

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 52 – indent 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– Article 17(5) to specify the information to be provided by suppliers as proof of identification and registration of dogs and cats, both in cases where they are offered through online platforms and by other means;

deleted

Amendment 49

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 52 – indent 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– Article 21(5) to establish a procedure for the recognition by the Union of equivalence of the conditions under which dogs and cats are bred and kept in establishments in a third country which intends to export animals to the Union, with the provisions of this Regulation regarding establishments.

deleted

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 53 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(53a) The Member states may consider raising awareness about animal welfare and responsible animal care.

Amendment 51

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 55

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions. The evaluation should asses the technological and scientific developments that have occurred, including the means of identification of dogs or cats and the possibility of using alternative means which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder. The evaluation should also guarantee the fraud-proof and robust character of the Union’s traceability system as well as the proportionality of the cost of identification for natural and legal persons subjected to the identification obligation under this Regulation.

Amendment 52

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.

(b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market.

Amendment 53

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as their supplying in the Union.

1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market and entry into the Union of dogs and cats.

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes.

2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes or for clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products.

Amendment 55

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. This Regulation shall not apply to:

– natural persons who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship, and who allow such animals to reproduce, limited to a maximum of one litter per species per household, per 18 months, without placing them on the market;

– and to agricultural holdings, with the exception of the provisions laid down under Article 5.

Amendment 56

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. ‘Dogs that perform specific, working or professional activities’: means those animals which, having been selected for their physical, instinctive and temperamental qualities, are trained to assist people in a regulated activity or specific task, such as those used for hunting, working, herding, rescue, assistance or for sporting purposes or those used by law enforcement agencies, as well as guide animals, guide dogs or animals intended for zootherapy that have been trained in centres or by specialised professionals to support, guide and assist people with functional diversities;

Amendment 57

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. "breeding" means the activity of keeping dogs or cats in breeding establishments for the purpose of reproduction;

Amendment 58

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3b. "advertising" means any form of communication which has the direct or indirect effect of promoting a dog or cat in order to attract interest, engagement or sales, including the promotion of a breed or a physical characteristic;

Amendment 59

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained or handled in an establishment;

4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which dogs and cats are held, housed, detained or handled in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator;

Amendment 60

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. ‘placing on the market’ means the keeping of dogs and cats for the purpose of sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility for the animal, that is against consideration or at least reimbursement of the costs incurred, including the advertising of animals for the above purposes;

5. ‘placing on the market’ means the sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility of dogs or cats in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge, as well as the advertising of dogs or cats online;

Amendment 61

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. ‘supplying’ means the transferring of ownership or responsibility for dogs or cats through any means or form, whether for a consideration or not, excluding occasional supplies by natural persons of dogs or cats by other means than via the intermediation of an online platform;

deleted

Amendment 62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or the sypplying of dogs and cats;

7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or of dogs or cats;

Amendment 63

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. ‘listing’ means the publication, on an online platform, of an advertisement for the supply of a dog or a cat;

deleted

Amendment 64

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

10a. ‘livestock guardian dog’ means a dog primarily, kept or trained to manage, move, or control livestock in agricultural or pastoral settings, including farms, grazing areas, or during transport;

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 11

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

11. ‘establishments’ means breeding establishments, animal shelters and pet shops;

11. ‘establishments’ means breeding establishments, selling establishments, shelters and foster homes;

Amendment 66

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

12. ‘breeding establishments’ means any premises or structure, where dogs and cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market, including households;

12. ‘breeding establishments’ means any premises or structure, where dogs or cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market, including households;

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

12a. ‘agricultural holding means an agricultural holding within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 that is not a breeding establishment as defined in this Regulation;

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

13. ‘pet shops’ means any premises or structure where dogs and cats are kept for sale as pet animals, without having been born there;

13. ‘selling establishments’ means any premises or structure where dogs or cats are kept for sale without having been born there;

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

14. ‘animal shelters’ means any premises or structure, excluding households, operated by a natural or legal person, where unwanted, abandoned, formal stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats are kept for the purpose of supply, whether for consideration or at no cost;

14. ‘shelters’ means any premises or structure, including households, operated by a natural or legal person, where unwanted, abandoned, formal stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats are kept for the purpose of placing on the market;

Amendment 70

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

14a. ‘foster home’ means a household that keeps dogs or cats on behalf of an operator responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats;

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person, excluding those responsible for shelters, who breeds, keeps, trades or places on the market dogs and cats under his/her control, including for a limited period of time;

15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person, that places dogs and cats on the market and that is responsible for a breeding establishment, a selling establishment or a shelter or that is responsible for dogs or cats kept therein, or that is responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated and places them in foster homes;

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

16. ‘supplier’ means any natural or legal person supplying a dog or a cat, including natural or legal persons responsible for shelters;

deleted

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

18a. ‘euthanasia’ means the act of inducing death under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia using medicinal products, using a method that causes a rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness with minimum pain and distress to an animal;

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure;

19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, and other than neutering or implantation of a transponder, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure of a dog or a cat ;

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

19a. "Neutering" means the process whereby dogs or cats are surgically prevented from reproducing, including the surgical removal of gonads, namely the testicles in male cats and dogs and either the ovaries or the ovaries and the uterus in bitches and queens;

Amendment 76

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

19b. "Non-surgical sterilisation" means alternatives to surgical sterilisation or neutering that preserve the integrity of the body of dog or cat and do not result in the removal or permanent alteration of any part of the dog or cat body;

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 20

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

20. ‘suffering’ means an unpleasant, undesired physical or mental state of being, which is the result of an animal being exposed to noxious stimuli or the absence of important positive stimuli;

20. ‘suffering’ means an unpleasant, undesired physical or mental state of being, which is the result of an animal being exposed to noxious stimuli or the continuous absence of important positive stimuli;

Amendment 78

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 21

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs and cats are kept;

21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs and cats are kept whether temporarily or permanently;

Amendment 79

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 22

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

22. ‘kennel’ means a physical structure containing one or more individual enclosures for housing dogs;

22. ‘kennel’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing dogs;

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

23. ‘cattery’ means a physical structure containing one or more individual enclosures for housing cats;

23. ‘cattery’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing cats;

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 24

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment;

24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment including volunteers, interns and part-time workers;

Amendment 82

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 26

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

26. ‘tethering’ means the tying of an animal to an anchor point to keep it in a desired area;

26. ‘tethering’ means the tying of an animal to an anchor point or object to keep it in a desired area or to restrict its movement;

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 27

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

27. ‘container’ means any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used to confine dogs and cats;

27. ‘container’ means any cage, crate, box, receptacle or movable structure used to confine dogs or cats;

Amendment 84

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

28. ‘pet animal’ means a dog or cat intended to be kept in a household for private enjoyment and companionship;

deleted

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

29. ‘responsible ownership’ means the commitment of a dog or cat owner or future dog or cat owner, to perform various duties focused on the satisfaction of the behavioural, environmental and physical needs of the dog or cat, and to prevent risks that the dog or cat may pose to the community, other animals or the environment.

29. ‘responsible ownership’ means the commitment of a dog or cat owner or future dog or cat owner, to perform various duties focused on the satisfaction of the health, behavioural, environmental and physical needs of the dog or cat, and to minimize risks that the dog or cat may pose to the community, other animals or the environment.

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This chapter shall not apply to:

With the exception of the provisions laid down in Article 5 this chapter shall not apply to:

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– breeding establishments keeping up to three bitches or queens and producing in total two litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

– breeding establishments keeping up to four bitches and producing in total three litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

Amendment 88

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– pet shops keeping at any given time three dogs or less or six cats or less;

deleted

Amendment 89

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– foster homes keeping at any given time five dogs or less or ten cats or less.

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

General principles of welfare

General welfare principles

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall apply the following principles with respect to dogs and cats bred or kept in their establishment:

Operators and animal caretakers shall apply the following welfare principles with respect to dogs or cats bred or kept in their establishment:

Amendment 92

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) dogs and cats are provided with water and feed of a quality and of a quantity that enables them to have good nutrition and hydration.

(a) dogs and cats are provided with water and feed of a quality and of a quantity that enables them to have good and appropriate nutrition and hydration.

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) dogs and cats are kept in a good physical environment which is comfortable, especially in terms of space, temperature, and ease of movement.

(b) dogs and cats are kept in an appropriate and clean physical environment which is secure and comfortable, especially in terms of space, air quality, temperature, light, protection against adverse climatic conditions and ease of movement, preventing overcrowding.

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, or mutilations.

(c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, breeding practices or mutilations.

Amendment 95

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) dogs and cats are kept in such a way as to optimise their mental state by preventing or reducing their negative experiences in time and intensity, as well as by maximizing opportunities for positive experiences in time and intensity in the different domains referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).

(e) dogs and cats are kept in such a way as to optimise their mental state by preventing or reducing their negative experiences in duration and intensity, as well as by maximizing opportunities for positive experiences in duration and intensity, preventing the development of abnormal repetitive and other behaviours indicative of negative animal welfare, and taking into consideration the individual dog's or cat's needs in the different domains referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

General welfare requirements for dogs and cats

General welfare obligations

Amendment 97

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall be responsible for the welfare of dogs and cats kept under their control and for minimising any risks to their welfare.

1. Operators and animal caretakers shall be responsible for the welfare of dogs or cats kept in their establishments and under their control and to minimise any risks to their welfare.

In the case of foster homes, the responsibility shall lie with the operator on whose behalf dogs or cats are kept. Such operators shall provide the foster family with adequate information on the animal welfare requirements and obligations as well as the individual needs of the dogs or cats, and shall ensure and verify that the relevant obligations set out by this Regulation are complied with in foster homes.

Amendment 98

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Operators shall not subject any dog or cat to cruelty, abuse or mistreatment, nor shall they breed, train or medicate them to participate in activities resulting in cruelty, abuse or mistreatment to themselves or to other dogs and cats, including dog fighting.

Amendment 99

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1b. Operators and animal caretakers shall not abandon dogs or cats.

Amendment 100

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are handled by a suitable number of animal caretakers who have the skills and competences required under Article 9.

2. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are handled by a suitable number of animal caretakers to meet the welfare needs of dogs or cats kept in their establishments.

Amendment 101

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes and phenotypes that have detrimental effects on the welfare of the dogs and cats, or of their descendants.

deleted

In the management of the reproduction of dogs and cats by operators, the mating between parents and offspring, or between grandparents and grandchildren, shall be prohibited.

This paragraph shall not preclude the selection and breeding of brachycephalic dogs and cats provided that the selection or breeding programmes minimise the negative welfare consequences of brachycephalic traits.

Amendment 102

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending this article as regards the specific criteria that operators shall fulfil when designing breeding strategies to meet the requirements of paragraph 3, taking into account scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority as well as social, economic and environmental impacts.

deleted

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 6a

Breeding strategies obligations

1. Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that their breeding strategies prioritise the health and welfare of the animal, and minimise the risk of producing dogs or cats with genotypes or phenotypes associated with detrimental effects on their welfare

2. Operators of breeding establishments shall not use for reproduction dogs or cats that have excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on the welfare of these dogs or cats, or of their offspring.

3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Regulation by laying down the characteristics of the genotypes and phenotypes referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, and the excessive conformational traits referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, which shall be excluded from reproduction, taking into account scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority as well as social and economic impacts. The delegated acts concerning the excessive conformational traits shall be adopted by 1 July 2030.

4. Unless approved by the competent authority based on a specific need to preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool, the breeding between parents and offspring, between siblings, between halfsiblings or between grandparents and grandchildren shall be prohibited in the management of the reproduction of dogs and cats.

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Obligation to notify the breeding or keeping of dogs and cats in establishments

Notification and registration of establishments

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing the following information:

Operators shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing at least the following information:

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) the maximum number of animals which can be kept in the establishment;

(e) the capacity of the establishment expressed as the maximum number of dogs and cats which can be kept in the establishment.

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Operators shall notify the competent authority of:

(a) any changes concerning the information referred to in paragraph 1;

(b) any cessation of activity and also specifying a deadline by which the activity must be closed, which should be no later than one month after the cessation, and also providing information on the fate of the animals;

Without prejudice to any additional information required under this Article, operators are not required to notify again the information already submitted in accordance with point (b) of Article 84(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

The competent authority shall maintain a register of establishments and may use for this purpose the register provided for in point (a) of Article 101(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

Amendment 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 7a

Approval of breeding establishments

1. Operators of breeding establishments shall only place dogs or cats on the market after approval of their establishment by the competent authority.

2. The competent authority shall perform on-site inspections to verify that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation. Member States may allow such inspections to be carried out remotely provided that the means of distance communication used provide sufficient evidence for the competent authority to perform reliable inspections. The competent authority shall only grant a certificate of approval to a breeding establishment that meets the requirements of this Regulation.

3. The competent authorities shall maintain a list of the approved breeding establishments and make it publicly available.

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters place on the market or supply dogs or cats for purposes of keeping them as pet animals, they shall provide to the acquirer of pet the information necessary to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the animal, including information on responsible ownership.

1. Operators shall provide to the acquirer of a dog or cat written information necessary to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the dog or cat including information on responsible ownership and on the specific needs of the dog or cat in terms of feeding, caring, health, housing and behavioural needs, as well as information on its health, including vaccination status.

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. When the supplying of dogs and cats is advertised via online means, the listing shall display, in clearly visible and bold characters, the following warning:

2. When operators and the natural or legal persons advertise the placing on the market of dogs and cats, via online platforms at least the following warning shall be displayed, in clearly visible and bold characters:

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

“An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that all the needs for its health and well-being are met at all times.“

“As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that its health and well-being needs are met at all times. Taking care of an animal required financial resources. Abandonment of pets goes against responsible care.” Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.“

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Animal caretakers shall have the following competences as regards the dogs and cats they are handling:

1. Animal caretakers, with the exception of supervised volunteers and interns, shall have the following competences as regards the dogs and cats they are handling:

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) ability to recognise their expressions including any sign of suffering and to identify the appropriate mitigating measures to be taken in such cases;

(b) ability to recognise their expressions including any sign of suffering and to identify and take the appropriate mitigating measures to be taken in such cases;

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) ability to apply good animal management practices, to use and maintain the equipment used for the species under their care and to minimize any risks to the welfare of the animals;

(c) ability to apply good animal management practices, to use and maintain the equipment used for the species under their care and to minimize any risks to the welfare of the animals, preventing suffering;

Amendment 116

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Animal welfare visits

Advisory welfare visits

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall:

1. Operators shall:

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive, at least once a year, a visit by a veterinarian, for the purpose of advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare;

(a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive a visit by a veterinarian by year after the date of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, for the purpose of identifying and assessing any risk factor for the welfare of the dogs and cats and advising the operator on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare and to follow up on actions taken by the operator in response to recommendations made by visiting veterinarian; thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place when appropriate, based on a risk analysis by the competent authorities; Member States may provide for that the advisory welfare visits are annual;

Amendment 119

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) record the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 6 years, making them available to the competent authorities upon request.

(b) keep the records of the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and of their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 5 years, from the day of the visit, and shall make them available to the competent authorities and visiting veterinarian upon request.

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to be assessed during animal welfare visits.

2. By [24 months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to identify and assess the risk factors by the veterinarian during the advisory welfare visits, including on follow-up actions.

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are fed in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Annex I and may, based on the written advice of a veterinarian or an animal nutrition expert, adjust the feeding frequencies provided for in point 1 of Annex I.

1. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are fed in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Annex I.

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are adequately fed and hydrated by supplying:

2. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are adequately fed and hydrated by supplying:

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) potable water, ad libitum;

(a) clean and fresh water, ad libitum;

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) feed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the physiological, nutritional and metabolic needs and satiety of the dogs and cats, as part of a diet adapted to the age, breed, category, activity level, and health status of the dogs and cats;

Amendment 125

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that feeding and drinking facilities are constructed and installed in such a way as to:

3. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that feeding and drinking facilities are kept clean and constructed and installed in such a way as to:

Amendment 126

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) provide equal access to all dogs and cats, thus minimizing competition between them, avoiding agonistic behaviour, in particular where dogs and cats do not have ad libitum access to feed;

(a) provide equal access to all dogs and cats;

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. Where advised in writing by a veterinarian to do so, the operators may adjust the feeding and watering frequencies. The operators shall keep a record of the advice for its entire duration as advised by the veterinarian.

Amendment 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are provided with housing in accordance with point 2 of Annex I.

1. Except of natural or legal person responsible for shelters, operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are provided with housing in accordance with point 2 of Annex I.

Amendment 129

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that:

2. Operators shall ensure that:

Amendment 130

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) where animals are kept in breeding establishments or pet shops, air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are kept within limits which are not harmful to dogs and cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating and, where necessary, in combination with heating systems, to remove excessive moisture;

(c) in breeding establishments and selling establishments where dogs and cats are kept indoors, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are not harmful to dogs or cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating;

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) dogs and cats have enough space to be able to move around freely and to express species-specific behaviour according to their needs, with sufficient space for enrichment material and structures, a possibility for animals to socialise and withdraw, and clean resting places;

(d) dogs and cats have enough space to be able to move around freely and to express species-specific behaviour according to their needs;

Amendment 132

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Keeping dogs or cats in containers shall be prohibited.

Operators shall not keep dogs or cats in containers.

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Containers may only be used for the transport and temporary isolation of individual dogs and cats provided that stress due to extreme temperatures is avoided.

By way of derogation, containers may only be used for the transport, short term isolation of individual dogs or cats and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, for puppies or kittens with reduced thermoregulation capacity or puppies or kittens together with their mothers, provided that stress is minimised and suffering is avoided and the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.

Amendment 134

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. Keeping dogs exclusively indoors shall be prohibited. Dogs kept indoors shall have daily access to an outdoor area that allows exercise and socialisation. In addition, when dogs are kept in kennels, operators shall design and construct individual enclosures to allow dogs to have free access to a confined outdoor space and an indoor space or an individual hut.

4. Keeping dogs exclusively indoors shall be prohibited. Dogs kept indoors shall have daily access to an outdoor area that allows exercise, exploration and socialisation. In addition, when dogs are kept in kennels, operators shall design and construct individual enclosures to allow dogs to have free access to a confined outdoor space and an indoor space or an individual hut.

Amendment 135

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6a. Operators of breeding and selling establishments shall use, where necessary, heating or cooling systems to maintain good air quality, an appropriate temperature in indoor enclosures at their establishments, and remove excessive moisture.

Amendment 136

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats have access to natural light at all times. Where needed, due to the climatic conditions and geographic position of a Member State, operators shall provide artificial lighting.

7. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are exposed to light, and are able to stay in the dark for sufficient and uninterrupted periods in order to maintain a normal circadian rhythm.

For the purposes of the first subparagraph, ‘light’ means natural light, complemented, where needed, due to the climatic conditions and geographic position of a Member State, by artificial light.

Amendment 137

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. This Article applies from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

deleted

Amendment 138

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 8 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8a. Paragraph 4 shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are being trained for herding purposes.

Amendment 139

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators shall ensure that measures are taken to safeguard the health of dogs and cats in accordance with point 3 of Annex 1.

deleted

Amendment 140

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that:

2. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that:

Amendment 141

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) dogs and cats under their responsibility are inspected by animal caretakers at least once a day;

(a) dogs or cats under their responsibility are inspected by animal caretakers at least once a day and vulnerable dogs and cats, such as newborns, ill or injured dogs and cats, and peri-partum bitches and queens, are inspected more frequently;

Amendment 142

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) dogs or cats with signs of disease, sickness, injury or otherwise compromised welfare are transferred, where required, without undue delay to a separate area, are treated by a veterinarian, where appropriate, and kept there until they are fully recovered, or alternatively euthanised without undue delay;

Amendment 143

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) where, in cases referred to in point (b), recovery is not achievable and the dogs or cats experience severe pain or suffering that cannot be alleviated and keeping them alive is contrary to the rules of their well-being euthanasia may be only carried out by a veterinarian and with the prior consent of the operator

Amendment 144

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) measures including veterinary medication are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological situation;

(d) measures are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments such as vaccination, to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological situation;

Amendment 145

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) enrichment materials do not present any risk of injury or biological or chemical contamination or any other health risk.

(e) enrichment materials do not present any risk of biological or chemical contamination.

Amendment 146

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ea) if available, relevant health related information shall be provided to the acquirer of a dog or a cat, including information on vaccination, allergies, health conditions and on responsible ownership in accordance with article 8(1).

Point (a) shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding or training purposes.

Amendment 147

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. The euthanasia of a dog or a cat in animal shelters as a population management solution is prohibited.

Amendment 148

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(eb) health care for animals is aligned with a ‘One Health’ approach, such as the prudent use of antibiotics to avoid anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

Amendment 149

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Operators shall ensure that:

Operators responsible for breeding establishments and their caretakers shall ensure that:

Amendment 150

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point -a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(-a) measures are taken to safeguard the health of dogs or cats in accordance with point 3 of Annex I;

Amendment 151

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) bitches and queens are only bred if they have a minimum age in accordance with Annex I points 3.1 and 3.2, their skeletal growth is completed, and they are free from disease or physical conditions which could negatively impact their pregnancy and welfare;

(a) bitches or queens are only bred if they have a minimum age in accordance with point 3 of Annex I, their skeletal growth is completed, and they have no diagnosed disease, clinical sign of diseases or physical conditions which could negatively impact their pregnancy and welfare;

Amendment 152

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) litter-giving pregnancies of bitches and queens follows a maximum frequency;

(b) litter-giving pregnancies of bitches or queens follows a maximum frequency in accordance with point 3 of Annex I; ;

Amendment 153

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more shall, before being used for breeding, undergo a physical examination by a veterinarian, to confirm in writing that her pregnancy will not pose any risk to her welfare, including her health.

deleted

Amendment 154

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) adult female dogs and cats which are no longer used for reproduction, including as a result of the provisions of this Regulation, are not killed or abandoned. Operators shall continue to ensure the welfare of those animals in accordance with Regulation.

(e) dogs and cats which are no longer used for reproduction, including as a result of the provisions of this Regulation, are either kept or sold, donated or rehomed, not killed or abandoned.

Amendment 155

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred to in point (d) for a period of at least 3 years after the death of the bitch or the queen.

deleted

Amendment 156

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters possess results of health tests of a dog or a cat or genetic reports and diagnoses of sire or dam of the pet animal in question, they shall share this information with the animal´s acquirer.

Amendment 157

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. This Article shall apply from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

deleted

Amendment 158

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that measures are taken to meet the behavioural needs of cats and dogs in accordance with point 4 of Annex I.

1. Operators shall ensure that measures are taken to meet the behavioural needs of cats or dogs in accordance with point 4 of Annex I.

Amendment 159

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Keeping dogs and cats in areas restraining their natural movements shall be prohibited, except for performing the following procedures or treatments:

2. Keeping dogs and cats in areas restraining their natural movements shall be prohibited, except in case of Article 12(3), second sub-paragraph, and for performing the following procedures or treatments:

Amendment 160

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) physical examinations, including identification of the animals;

(a) physical examinations;

Amendment 161

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) marking animals for identification purposes;

(b) individual identification of dogs and cats and reading the identification information;

Amendment 162

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) procedures for hygienic, health or reproductive purpose where a written recommendation is provided by a veterinarian;

(d) procedures for hygienic, health or reproductive purpose;

Amendment 163

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) medical treatment where a written recommendation is provided by a veterinarian.

(e) medical treatment.

Amendment 164

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. Tethering within the premises of the establishment for more than 1 hour shall be prohibited, except for the duration of a medical treatment.

3. Tethering shall be prohibited, except for the duration of a medical treatment.

Amendment 165

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5a. Operators shall ensure that enrichment is provided and accessible to all dogs or cats, creating a stimulating environment, enabling species-specific behaviour and reducing their frustration.

Amendment 166

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 5 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police and customs services that are kept in breeding or selling establishments.

Amendment 167

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed due to a medical indication with the sole purpose of improving the health of dogs and cats. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, claw removal or other partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed upon medical indication, which may include prophylactic, diagnostic, and/or treatment reasons, with the sole purpose of , preserving, improving the health of dogs or cats or preventing injury. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

Amendment 168

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. The medical indication for the mutilation and details of procedure to be carried out,shall be documented by a veterinarian. This document shall be retained by the operator until the dog or cat, along with this document, are transferred to another establishment or owner. The operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or cat when the mutilation was performed by the veterinarian shall retain a copy of the document for three years.

By way of derogation, Member States may allow ear cropping by notching or tipping cat ears in the context of marking stray cats when neutered under trap-neuter programmes.

Amendment 169

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Male and female neutering shall be permitted only if performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

2. Operators shall ensure that neutering is only performed under anesthesia and prolongued analgesia by a veterinarian.

Veterinarians may consider non-surgical sterilisation to neutering, whenever appropriate.

Amendment 170

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The following handling practices shall be prohibited:

3. The following handling practices that cause pain or suffering shall be prohibited:

Amendment 171

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) prolonged use of muzzles, unless required for health or welfare reasons, in which case the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary.

(d) prolonged using of muzzles, unless required for health or welfare reasons, in which case the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary.

Amendment 172

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) lifting dogs or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail and the hair.

(e) lifting dogs or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail, ears, skin or the hair.

Amendment 173

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ea) using prong collars;

Amendment 174

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(eb) using choke collars without safety top;

Amendment 175

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. By way of derogation from paragraph 3:

(a) the practices referred to in point (c) of paragraph 3 may be performed for medical reasons and limited to the minimum period necessary;

(b) the practice referred to in points (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 3 may be performed or public health, public safety, security in which cases the duration shall be limited to the minimum time necessary and the dog or cat shall be supervised.

Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police or customs services.

Amendment 176

Proposal for a regulation

Article 15 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 15a

Aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions

1. Operators of breeding or selling establishments shall not use in aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats, dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics.

2. Organisers of aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats shall exclude from such shows, exhibitions and competitions dogs and cats which have excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics.

Amendment 177

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], all dogs and cats kept in establishments for supply in the Union, including adult dogs and cats kept in breeding establishments, dogs and cats kept in shelters, and dogs and cats supplied by natural persons, shall be marked for identification by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are marked for identification by the date of their supply in the Union or at the latest within 3 months after the birth of the animal. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian.

1. All dogs and cats kept in establishments and all dogs and cats placed on the market shall be individually identified by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian. Where a veterinarian considers that the implantation of a microchip could significantly compromise the dog’s or cat’s health, he/she may delay the microchip implantation temporarily until the animal’s health concerns can be suitably addressed. In case a dog or a cat is experiencing significant adverse reactions after the implantation of the microchip, the veterinary shall take all the necessary actions to ensure the dog’s or cat’s health, including removal of the microchip.

Amendment 178

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are individually identified within 3 months after their birth and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

Amendment 179

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1b. Operators of selling establishments, shelters, and those responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats that enter their establishments or come under their responsibility are individually identified within 30/15 days after their arrival at the establishment and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

Amendment 180

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1c. Natural or legal persons, other than operators, placing dogs or cats on the market shall ensure that they are individually identified before the date or their placing on the market.

Amendment 181

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1d. Dogs and cats which have been individually identified by means of an injectable transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Union or national law before [the date of application of this Regulation], shall be considered compliant with the requirements in this paragraph, provided that the microchip is readable.

Amendment 182

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be registered by the veterinarian, or an assistant under the responsibility of the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. For dogs and cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the owner of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs and cats kept in shelters , the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the shelter. For natural persons intending to supply a dog or a cat in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. Any subsequent owner of, or responsible for, the dog or the cat, shall ensure that the change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19.

2. Within two working days after their identification, in accordance with paragraph 1, the dogs and cats shall be registered by the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database. For dogs and cats kept in establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For natural persons placing a dog or a cat on the market, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. In case of transfer of ownership or responsibility, the natural or legal person placing, the dog or the cat on the market, shall ensure that any change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, within two weeks from the date of change of ownership or responsibility, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible.

Amendment 183

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. In the case of a death of a dog or a cat kept in an establishment, the operator shall ensure that the death is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible for that database.

Amendment 184

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 2 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 2 and 2a for military, police and customs dogs that are kept in establishments.

Amendment 185

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

From [3 years from the date of entry into force], before supplying a dog or a cat in the Union, the supplier shall provide to the acquirer of the animal:

Before placing a dog or a cat on the market the operators or natural or legal persons placing the dog or cat on the market shall provide to the acquirer of the animal:

Amendment 186

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) proof of the identification and registration of the animal in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2;

(a) proof of the identification and registration of dog or cat in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 and a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6;

Amendment 187

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of animals supplied through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the market through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

Amendment 188

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows the suppliers of dogs and cats to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the animal through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

Providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that facilitates the operators or other natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, and Article 8 paragraph 2 in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the dog or cat through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

Amendment 189

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The supplier of dogs and cats shall be the sole responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through the interface of the online platform. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.

The natural or legal person placing dogs or cats on the market shall be the solely responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through the interface of the online platform. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.

Amendment 190

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the information to be provided by suppliers as proof of identification and registration of the animal in accordance with paragraph 3(a), both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms and by other means. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24.

deleted

Amendment 191

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 6 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall ensure that a system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats supplied, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent entity. The system shall meet the following criteria:

6. The Commission shall ensure that an online system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the market, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent entity following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. The system shall meet the following criteria:

Amendment 192

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

By the [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6:

The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down:

Amendment 193

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – point a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) based on the content of the databases referred to in Article 19(3), point a, the exact information to be provided by natural and legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market, as proof of identification and registration of the dogs and cats in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 3, both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms and by other means;

Amendment 194

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – point a – indent 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– the categories of personal data that are made available to the verifying person during the verification of the identification and registration, that shall be limited to those strictly needed to enable such verification.

Amendment 195

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – – subparagraph 1 – point b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6:

- the key functionalities of the system;

Amendment 196

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 a(new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The implementing acts referred to in point (a) shall be adopted by [the date of application of this Regulation] and the implementing act referred to in point (b) shall be adopted by [3 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation]

Amendment 197

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(aa) ensuring that veterinarians and other relevant professionals receive training on best practices in animal welfare, including on the detection and reporting of welfare violations including painful practices as set out in Article 15, in line with One Health principles.

Amendment 198

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ab) ensuring that operators, natural or legal persons responsible for shelters, foster homes and pounds, animal caretakers and veterinarians receive adequate and regular training and certificates for the completion of the training courses referred to in point (a);

Amendment 199

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ac) ensuring that shelter medicine courses, including those with a focus on herd health, are available for veterinarians;

Amendment 200

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ad) ensuring that trainers and handlers of dogs intended for military, police and customs services receive regular training within and preferably across Member States in order to improve their skills especially on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, on behavioural science and welfare principles, and on stress management for both dogs and handlers;

Amendment 201

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ba) facilitating collaboration between competent authorities, veterinary associations, and educational institutions to develop and promote high-quality, long term science-based training programmes for animal caretakers and veterinary professionals, increasing the cooperation between relevant agencies and the synergies between the information campaigns.

Amendment 202

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 18a

National information campaigns on the protection of stray animals and legislation concerning the protection of stray animals

1. Member States are encouraged to initiate and implement national information campaigns on current legislation concerning the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns must be aimed both at animal owners and at the general public, in order to raise awareness about the legal obligations and best practices in caring for animals.

2. Information campaigns may be conducted by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information communicated shall include:

(a) the legal obligations of keepers of pet animals;

(b) the responsibilities and actions of local authorities in managing strays, as well as the actions that they are to take to prevent abandonment;

(c) the steps to be taken if a person finds a lost or abandoned animal, including contacting veterinary services, animal shelters or the local police;

(d) a statement of the importance of responsible adoption and neutering to reduce the stray animal population.

3. Member States may provide national or regional funding for these campaigns and may encourage the participation of mass media and educational establishments with a view to disseminating the information further.

4. The Commission shall encourage the exchange of best practices between Member States.

Amendment 203

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 18b

Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats

1. Member States shall be encouraged to adopt concrete measures to prevent the abandonment of dogs and cats, including through public education, by raising awareness about responsible ownership and through the effective enforcement of existing legislation.

2. To reduce the number of strays, Member States shall be encouraged to identify and use national and private sources of funding for:

(a) free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and for pet animals belonging to low-income people or animal protection organisations;

(b) programmes for the registration and identification of pet animals, including by means of microchipping, to facilitate adoption and the return of lost animals to their owners and prevent abandonment;

(c) actions to raise awareness among and educate the population about the responsibility of keeping a pet animal and the negative effects of abandonment on animal welfare and on communities.

3. Member States may work with non-governmental organisations, veterinary clinics and local authorities to implement the measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 and for the purpose of facilitating access to neutering and identification programmes.

Amendment 204

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], competent authorities shall establish and maintain a database for the registration of microchipped dogs and cats.

1. The competent authorities shall establish and maintain databases for dogs and cats identified and registered in accordance with Article 17 and Article 21(4)

Amendment 205

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. From [5 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation], Member States shall ensure that their databases as referred to in paragraph 1 are interoperable with the same databases of other Member States so that the identification of a dog or a cat can be authenticated and traced across the Union.

2. Member States shall ensure that their databases as referred to in paragraph 1 comply with the requirements laid down by the implementing act referred to in point (b) of paragraph 3 to ensure their interoperability so that the identification of a dog or a cat can be authenticated and traced across the Union.

Amendment 206

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs and cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this index database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of [ Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.

Amendment 207

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) their interoperability between Member States;

(b) the interoperability between Member States databases and the index database;

Amendment 208

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(fa) The interconnection between the Member States databases referred to in paragraph 1 and any other relevant database, including the Information Management System for Official Controls (IMSOC).

Amendment 209

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 20a

National information campaigns concerning stray animal legislation and protection

1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to initiate and implement national information campaigns concerning existing legislation on the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns should be targeted at both animal owners and the general public in order to raise awareness of legal obligations and good practices in relation to animal care.

2. Information campaigns can be run by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information provided must include:

(a) The legal obligations of pet owners;

(b) The responsibilities and actions of local authorities in managing stray animals, and actions to prevent abandonment;

(c) Recommended steps if a person finds a lost or abandoned animal, including contacting veterinary services, animal shelters or the local police;

(d) The importance of responsible adoption and neutering to reduce the population of stray animals.

3. The Member States can provide national or regional funding for these campaigns and can encourage the mass media and educational institutions to participate with a view to better dissemination of information.

4. The European Commission shall encourage the sharing of good practices between the Member States.

Amendment 210

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 20b

Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats

1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to adopt concrete measures to prevent abandonment of dogs and cats, including by educating the public, making owners responsible and enforcing existing legislation effectively.

2. To reduce the number of stray animals, the Member States are encouraged to identify and use national and private financing sources for:

(a) Free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and pets of persons on low incomes or animal protection organisations;

(b) Programmes to register and identify pets, including by microchipping, to facilitate adoption and the return of lost animals to owners and to prevent abandonment;

(c) Actions to raise awareness and educate the public with regard to the responsibility of owning a pet and the adverse effects of abandonment on animal welfare and the community.

3. The Member States can work together with non-governmental organisations, veterinary clinics and local authorities to implement these measures and facilitate public access to neutering and identification programmes.

Amendment 211

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Article 20c

Data protection

1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall be controllers within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 7, Article 7a and Article 19(1) of this Regulation.

The Commission shall be a controller within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 17(6) and the second subparagraph of Article 21(4) of this Regulation.

It shall be prohibited for any person having access to the personal data referred to in the first and second sub-paragraphs to divulge any personal data, the knowledge of which was acquired in the exercise of their duties or otherwise incidentally to such exercise. Member States and the Commission shall take all appropriate measures to address infringements of that prohibition.

The personal data collected under the first and second sub-paragraphs shall not be used for other purposes than official control of the compliance with the welfare and traceability requirements under this regulation and detection of fraudulent practices with a view to the adoption of control measures.

2. That personal data referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be retained for the following periods:

(a) in the case of Article 7 and Article 7a, 10 years after the date of cessation of the activity of the establishment;

(b) in the case of Article 19(1), 20 years after the first registration of the dog or cat in the database referred to in that Article or 5 years after the recording of the death of the dog or cat in that database;

Amendment 212

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. From [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the Union market if they have been kept in compliance with any of the following:

1. Dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market provided that the following conditions are met:

Amendment 213

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) Chapters II of this Regulation;

(a) they have been breed and kept in compliance with any of the following:

Amendment 214

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(i) Chapter II of this Regulation;

Amendment 215

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) conditions recognised by the Union to be equivalent to those set out by this Regulation; or

(ii) conditions recognised by the Union in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 to be equivalent to those set out by Chapter II of this Regulation; or

Amendment 216

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(iii) where applicable, requirements contained in a specific agreement between the Union and the exporting country.

Amendment 217

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. From [5 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation], dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market or supply provided that they come from a third country or territory and an establishment listed in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

(b) they come from a third country or territory and an establishment listed in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

Amendment 218

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. From [date of entry into force of this Regulation + 5 years], the official certificate accompanying dogs and cats entering into the Union from third countries and territories shall contain an attestation certifying compliance with paragraphs 1 and confirming that the dogs and cats originate from an establishment listed in accordance with paragraph 2.

2. The official certificate referred to in Article 126(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 accompanying dogs and cats entering into the Union from third countries and territories to be placed on the Union market, shall contain an attestation certifying compliance with paragraph 1 of this Article.

Amendment 219

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union shall be identified with a microchip as referred to in Article 17(1) and allowing for traceability.

3. Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union to be placed on the Union market, shall be identified before their entry by a veterinarian with a microchip. compliant with Annex II . The importer shall ensure the registration of dogs and cats by a veterinarian into a national database, referred to in Article 19 within two working days after their entry into the Union. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database.

__________________

11 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 of 30 January 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rules for entry into the Union, and the movement and handling after entry of consignments of certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin, OJ L 174, 3.6.2020, p. 379.

Amendment 220

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

In case the dogs or cats entering into the Union are not yet registered in a Member State database as referred to in Article 19(1), once they arrive at their place of destination, the owner or person responsible for the animal shall ensure their registration into one of the Member States databases within 48 hours of arrival.

deleted

Amendment 221

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4a. The entry of dogs and cats into the Union under a non-commercial movement, as defined in point 14 of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, shall be pre-notified by their owners into an online Union pet travellers’ database at least five working days before the crossing of the Union border, except in the following cases:

(a) dogs or cats entering into the Union directly from third countries listed in accordance with Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013;

(b) dogs or cats registered in a Member State database referred to in Article 19(1). The owner shall pre-notify the identity of the dog or cat and where relevant the identity of the authorised person travelling with that dog or cat, the identification number of the microchip of the dog or cat, its main destination in the Union, and where relevant the planned date and place of exit from the Union. Where the dog or cat stays more than four months in the Union, the owner shall ensure its registration in the database of the Member State of residence within five working days after the expiry of that fourth month.

The Commission shall establish and maintain the Union pet travellers’ database referred to in the second subparagraph, and may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. Access to this database shall be restricted to Member States’ competent authorities.

Amendment 222

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 5

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5. The Commission is empowered, by means of implementing acts, to establish a procedure for the recognition by the Union of equivalent conditions under point paragraph 1 point (b). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24.

deleted

Amendment 223

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending the Annexes to this Regulation to take into account of scientific and technical progress, including, when relevant, scientific opinions of EFSA, and of social, economic and environmental impacts, as regards:

The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending the Annexes to this Regulation to take into account of scientific and technical progress, including, when relevant, scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority, and of social, economic, and environmental impacts, as regards:

Amendment 224

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) feeding frequencies and weaning process;

(a) watering and feeding requirements and weaning process;

Amendment 225

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 226

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point h

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(h) minimum age of bitches and queens for onset of breeding;

(h) minimum and maximum age of bitches and queens for breeding;

Amendment 227

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point j

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(j) requirements for transponders used to mark dogs and cats;

(j) requirements for transponders used to individually identify dogs and cats;

Amendment 228

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

Amendment 229

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

Amendment 230

Proposal for a regulation

Article 23 – paragraph 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

Amendment 231

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats and in force at the time of entry into force of this Regulation, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before [the date of application of this Regulation], Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining or adopting any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats, kept in establishments and to their traceability, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

Amendment 232

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from adopting stricter national measures aimed at ensuring more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats kept in establishments within the territory of a Member State on the following animal welfare issues:

deleted

(a) housing conditions;

(b) mutilations;

(d) selection and breeding programmes, including minimum and maximum age for breeding.

Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules before their adoption. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

Amendment 233

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The measures referred to in paragraph 2 shall only be allowed provided that they are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market.

deleted

Amendment 234

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. Member States shall not prohibit or impede the placing on the market within their territory of dogs and cats kept in another Member State on the grounds that the dogs and cats concerned have not been kept in accordance with its stricter national rules on animal welfare.

4. Member States that have stricter national rules referred to in paragraph 1 shall not prohibit or impede the placing on the market within their territory of dogs and cats kept in another Member State on the grounds that the dogs and cats concerned have not been kept in accordance with its stricter national rules on animal welfare.

Amendment 235

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. On the basis of the reports received in accordance with Article 20 and additional relevant information, the Commission shall publish, by [7 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] and thereafter every 5 years, a monitoring report on the welfare of dogs and cats placed on the market in the Union. The monitoring report shall assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, socio-economic impact and EU added value of this Regulation in achieving its objectives. In particular, the Commission shall assess:

Amendment 236

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) the extent to which this Regulation has contributed to ensuring a high level of welfare for dogs and cats, improving traceability, reducing illegal trade, and addressing the problems associated with inhumane breeding practices, including so-called puppy and kitten mills;

Amendment 237

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) whether the scope of this Regulation remains fit for purpose, taking into account market developments, scientific and technological progress,and animal welfare considerations; and whether the current exceptions remain appropriate and sufficient in light of these developments;

Amendment 238

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) whether scientifical and technological progress has occurred, including development of new means of identification, taking into account their technical reliability, cost-effectiveness and invasiveness for the animal;

Amendment 239

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) the impact of this Regulation on breeders, shelters, foster homes, and other operators, including the administrative burden and compliance costs;

Amendment 240

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point e (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(e) the level of enforcement and compliance achieved by Member States, and the effectiveness of the cooperation between competent authorities, including data exchange and traceability mechanisms,

Amendment 241

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point f (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(f) the feasibility, costs and benefits of introducing a digital passport for dogs and cats which could contain information on the identification, vaccination status and medical history of the animal.

Amendment 242

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point g (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(g) the feasibility, impact and proportionality of extending mandatory identification and registration to all dogs and cats, including those kept by private owners,

Amendment 243

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. By 2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall assess the possibility of registering dogs and cats, in accordance with Article 21(3), upon their entry into the Union, and shall present a report on its main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

Amendment 244

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. By [15 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

2. By [12 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

Amendment 245

Proposal for a regulation

Article 27 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation, as well as those resulting from the abandonment of pets, and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

Amendment 246

Proposal for a regulation

Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Member States shall ensure that the level of the financial penalties imposed for violations of this Regulation and of the rules referred to in Article 2(1), involving fraud or deception, reflects, in accordance with national law, at least the economic advantage for the operator, or, where appropriate, a percentage of the operator´s turnover and is high enough to have a deterrent effect. In cases where the infringements of the requirements of this Regulation are serious and repeated, Member States shall ensure that the penalties include a prohibition on working with and owning animals.

Amendment 247

Proposal for a regulation

Article 28 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation.

It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], except:

(i) Article 13 from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation;

(ii) Article 9(2) and Article 19(1) from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation;

(iii) Article 12, Article 17(4) and (6), Article 19(2) and (2a), and Article 21(1) to (4a) from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation;

(iv) Article 7a from 6 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; and

(v) Article 17(1) to (3) - in relation to dogs from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation - in relation to cats 7 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation..

Amendment 248

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Feeding

1. Feeding and watering

Amendment 249

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.1. The operator shall implement the following feeding frequencies:

1.1. Dogs and cats shall be fed at least twice per day. Puppies and kittens shall be fed more frequently.

These requirements shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding purposes.

Amendment 250

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) adult cats and dogs shall be fed twice a day;

deleted

Amendment 251

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) pregnant bitches and queens shall have ad libitum access to feed;

deleted

Amendment 252

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

deleted

Amendment 253

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) kittens under 12 weeks of age shall be fed at least 4 times a day.

deleted

Amendment 254

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.2. Every new-born puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum from their bitch or queen in the first two days of their lives.

1.2. Each puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum during at least the first two days of its life and thereafter with milk from its mother or a lactating bitch or queen. If this is not possible, because is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring or not sufficient, the puppy or kitten shall be fed with a milk replacer designed for puppies and kittens with such feeding frequency as instructed by the producer of the replacer or by a veterinarian.

Amendment 255

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.3. If the bitch or the queen is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring, the operator shall provide milk from other bitches and queens at the same holding and supplementary milk formulas designed for puppies and kittens with the feeding frequency as instructed by the formula producer or a veterinarian, until weaning is completed.

deleted

Amendment 256

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 1 – point 1.4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1.4. The operator shall ensure that all unweaned puppies and kittens are getting enough milk to steadily gain bodyweight.

1.4. All unweaned puppies and kittens shall be fed enough milk, milk replacer or a combination thereof to steadily gain bodyweight.

Amendment 257

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(a) 10 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult dogs are kept;

deleted

Amendment 258

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) 15 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult cats are kept;

deleted

Amendment 259

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.2.1. Where applicable, artificial lighting shall be provided for a period at least equivalent to the period of natural light normally available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

2.2.1. Dogs and cats shall be exposed to light for at least 7 hours per day.

Amendment 260

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.2.2. Artificial light shall be broad spectrum or full spectrum.

2.2.2. Artificial light shall be broad spectrum or full spectrum with a frequency of at least 80 Hertz.

Amendment 261

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.2.3. The illuminance shall be at least 50 lux at the height of an animal’s head.

deleted

Amendment 262

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.2.4. Animals shall have the possibility to stay in the dark for at least 8 hours per day.

2.2.4. Dogs and cats shall have the possibility to be without artificial lights for at least 8 hours per day.

Amendment 263

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.2 a. Dogs shall have access to an outdoor area or shall be walked daily for a minimum of 1 hour per day in total, or to allow exercise, exploration and socialisation

Amendment 264

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2.3.3. If enclosures are occupied by more than one dog or cat, operators must ensure by taking specific measures (e.g., separation panels) that these animals do not pose threat to each other due to aggressive behaviour.

Member States may grant derogations from the minimum space allowances requirements set out in paragraph 2.3.1 for hunting dogs used to living in packs.

Amendment 265

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 3 – point 3.2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.2. Bitches shall only be bred if their age is at least 18 months;

3.2. Bitches shall only be bred from their second oestrus;

Amendment 266

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 3 – point 3.3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.3. Operators shall allow for up to 3 litters per bitch or queen within a period of 2 years.

3.3. A bitch or queen shall not deliver more than 3 litters within a period of 2 years.

Amendment 267

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.4. After 3 consecutive litter-giving pregnancies of a bitch or a queen within a period of 2 years, operators shall ensure a recuperation period by preventing pregnancies of the bitch or queen for a period of at least 1 year.

3.4. For bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns within a period of 2 years, there shall be a recuperation period of at least 1 year.

Amendment 268

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.4 a. Any bitch or queen that has undergone two cesarean sections shall no longer be used for breeding

Amendment 269

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3.4 b. Before any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more, is used for breeding, it must have been physically examined by a veterinarian who confirms in writing that, at the time of the examination, there are no counter-indications to pregnancy. The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred for a period of at least 3 years

Amendment 270

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and reducing frustration of animals;

(c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and if possible, structures for climbing and hiding, and reducing frustration of animals;

Amendment 271

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Transponders used to mark cats and dogs as required in Article 16 shall meet the following requirements:

Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:

Amendment 272

Proposal for a regulation

Annex III – point 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Number of dogs and cats microchipped per year as referred to in Article 17;

1. Number of dogs and cats registered per year as referred to in Article 17 and Article 21 (4);

Amendment 273

Proposal for a regulation

Annex III – point 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Number of establishments registered per year in accordance with Article 7;

Amendment 274

Proposal for a regulation

Annex III – point 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Number of breeding establishment approved per year as referred to in Article 16.

2. Number of breeding establishments approved per year as referred to in Article 7a.

Amendment 275

Proposal for a regulation

Annex III – point 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. Number of breeding and selling establishments whose approval has been suspended or withdrawn per year.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

On 7 December 2023, the Commission adopted a proposal for new rules on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability aimed at improving the welfare of dogs and cats that are kept by breeders, selling establishments, and shelters, while also improving consumer protection, ensuring fair competition and fighting illegal trade.

The rapporteur broadly agrees with the proposal of the Commission and maintains its main welfare principles and obligations. The rapporteur especially aims to tackle the problem of fraud and substandard welfare of dogs and cats, without imposing excessive requirements on the individual honest dog and/or cat owner.

For the purpose of proportionality, the rapporteur makes a distinction between establishments of different sizes. On the one hand, all establishments, irrespective of the number of litters bred or the number of dogs or cats kept, should be subject to the general welfare principles and obligations, while on the other hand, only establishments keeping or placing on the market a certain number of dogs or cats should be subject to more comprehensive and detailed welfare obligations.

Since some organisations use foster homes to house abandoned, stray or unwanted cats and dogs, the rapporteur proposes to include foster homes within the scope of the regulation. On the other hand, the rapporteur proposes a full ban for placing on the market dogs and cats by pet-shops, given their inability to provide a suitable environment for the dogs and cats based on the concept of “five domains”.

Notification and registration requirements will apply to all establishments. However, given the shortages of veterinarians in the member states and in order to reduce administrative burden, prior approval following an on-site inspection should only apply to breeding establishments that produce more than five litters per year or that keep more than five female cats or dogs.

In order to exclude from the scope of the regulation the occasional and irregular donations of small numbers of dogs and cats by natural persons, the rapporteur clarifies the definition of “placing on the market”, which could only be done by those operators responsible for a breeding establishment, a selling establishment or a shelter.

With regards to breeding requirements, the rapporteur proposes changes in Annex I and a separated Article 6a, which comprehensively address issues such as limits on frequency, minimum and maximum age and the prohibition of certain breeding practices such as inbreeding and the breeding to produce hybrids. The rapporteur clarifies that these practices could in exceptional and duly justified cases be used to preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts concerning the excessive conformational traits by 2030. At the same time, the rapporteur is proposing that organisers of aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions should not include dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits or those, which have been mutilated for such events.

Mutilation practices such as ear cropping, tail docking, and the removal of claws are banned, unless they respond to a medical indication. Certain painful handling practices such as the use of prong collars or choke collars without safety top will be fully banned. The use of muzzles, could only be performed for public health, security or animal safety and welfare and to the minimum time necessary.

The rapporteur takes note of scientific evidence proving that alternative methods to surgical castration could be better suited in some cases, without the side effects of surgical castration. For this reason, the draft report explicitly allows veterinarians to consider non-surgical sterilisation to neutering, whenever appropriate, whilst clarifying the difference between neutering and non-surgical sterilisation in Article 3.

To ensure traceability and interoperability between databases, all dogs and cats will be individually identified and registered in a national database before they are placed on the market. In line with the original proposal from the Commission, the rapporteur recognises the implantation of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip as the default measure to comply with this obligation. However, the draft report explicitly enables veterinarians to delay the implantation of the microchip or to remove it, based on the animal’s health concerns. Moreover, the rapporteur proposes that the Commission includes in the evaluation reports, based on the assessment of technological developments, the possibility of using alternative means of identification, which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder.

With regard to imports from outside the EU, the rapporteur differentiates between the import of dogs and cats for placing on the EU market and for non-commercial movements, aiming to prevent fraud and improve the traceability of dogs and cats. In both cases, the dogs or cats will have to be identified with a microchip before their entry into the EU. For the former, the importer shall ensure registration by a veterinarian in an EU database within five working days after they enter the EU. For the latter, the entry of dogs or cats into the EU will have to be pre-notified by the owner into an online Union pet travellers’ database, which must be run by the Commission.

Lastly, the rapporteur also introduced provisions linked to data protection, to ensure the protection of personal data contained, for instance, in the databases of dogs and cats or on information transmitted by establishments.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Four Paws

Eurogroup for Animals

VIRBAC

Federation of Veterinarians of Europe

Merck Sharp & Dohme Europe Belgium SRL

AnimalhealthEurope

Arnika, z.s.

Greenpeace European Unit

Hnutí DUHA - Friends of the Earth

Czech Republic WWF Czechia

ČSOP/Society for Animals Česká společnost ornitologická

Svoboda zvířat Plzeň, z.s

Federation Cynologique

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the [rapporteur declares / rapporteurs declare] that [he/she has / they have] submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

8.4.2025

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE AND FOOD SAFETY

for the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

(COM(2023)0769 – C90443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Manuela Ripa

SHORT JUSTIFICATION

The amendments proposed by the rapporteur in her opinion to the EU Regulation on the traceability of cats and dogs aim to significantly strengthen the welfare and protection of these companion animals within the European Union and those imported from third countries. The opinion follows the EU´s “One Health” approach, recognising that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

The rapporteur considers that the amendments address key shortcomings in the EC´s draft Regulation and aim to further improve the identification and registration systems, to better ensure an EU-wide harmonisation of standards tackling the breeding, trading and keeping of dogs and cats, to further promote responsible pet ownership and breeding, and to effectively prevent the illegal trade in these animals to also ensure public health and safety. Ensuring that all cats and dogs are identified and registered with a clear link to their source is essential for monitoring population numbers and trade activities. This transparency helps both authorities to control the trade of these animals and citizens to verify the origin of their future pet within the EU single market. Additionally, these measures align with efforts to enhance disease prevention, protect public health by limiting exposure to zoonotic diseases and safeguard biodiversity by preventing cross-contamination.

The key elements are:

Extending Responsibilities to All Breeders

First, the rapporteur considers a priority to extend the scope to anyone who breeds dogs and cats. All breeders shall register and identify their animals. The obligation shall ensure that every cat and dog can be traced back to its origin, eliminating gaps in accountability and deterring unregulated breeding practices that often compromise animal welfare or pose a risk to the well-being of the prospective pet owner. By including small-scale breeders, the regulation creates a level playing field, ensures a smooth functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats, avoids unnecessary administrative burdens and closes loopholes exploited by illegal operators.

Enhanced Registration and Verification Systems

Secondly, the regulation emphasises the need for robust and standardised registration systems that include verification mechanisms, particularly for online sales. Online platforms have become major channels for the illegal trade of cats and dogs, often facilitating the sale of animals from unverified sources in poor welfare conditions and also putting the health of consumers at risk. The stricter monitoring and enforcement, combined with mandatory identification and verification of sellers, will help prevent fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with EU standards and a harmonisation within the EU. In order to tackle illegal trade, it is equally important to enhance the registration and identification of dogs and cats. Without a comprehensive registration rule, illegal traders can remain anonymous, preventing authorities from identifying inconsistencies between the breeders´ status and the actual volume of companion animals they are responsible for. Stricter registration requirements allow a clear picture of the animals associated with a single person, or to verify whether they belong to those moving them across borders.

Ban on Selling Cats and Dogs in Pet Shops

Thirdly, the rapporteur considers that this regulation shall prohibit the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops, thus ensuring that hygiene and welfare conditions are respected and that young animals are not separated from their mothers prematurely, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and psychological development, possibly leading to behavioural problems and aggression towards the owner during adulthood. This measure not only improves animal welfare, but also discourages impulse purchases, promoting a more thoughtful and informed approach to acquiring a pet.

Evaluating the Addition of a EU-wide list of Companion Animals

Lastly, the rapporteur suggests that the evaluation process should assess the feasibility of creating an EU-wide list of animals deemed suitable as pets, under appropriate welfare conditions, without harming the wildlife populations in the natural environment and without hampering biodiversity, This list would be based on a thorough evaluation of species-specific welfare needs and the risks associated with their trade and ownership. By establishing such a list, the EU can better regulate the ownership of exotic, traditional or non-traditional pets, ensuring that only species suitable for private care are kept as companions. Such a list would also reduce zoonotic risks to public health and reduce the economic, social and environmental impacts of invasive alien species.

Conclusion

The amendments proposed by the rapporteur in her report reflect the commitment to advancing animal welfare, protecting human health and the safety of dogs and cats from exploitation, and addressing the growing concerns surrounding illegal trade. By enforcing stricter regulations on breeding, registration, and sales, the EU will not only enhance the quality of life for cats and dogs, but also protect public health and the environment and set a global standard for the responsible and humane treatment of animals.

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on the Environment, ~~Public Health~~Climate and Food Safety ~~calls~~submits onthe following to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as the committee ~~responsible, to take into account the following amendments:~~responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have very often led to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances detrimental to their welfare, as well as risks to biodiversity, human health and safety and nature conservation. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably between Member States. As a consequence, competition is distorted, especially for high standards breeders and keepers, which are unable to monetise their investments into animal welfare when they trade cross border because they are confronted with operators that profit from sub-standard animal welfare conditions to exert competition and drive prices and standards down.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3) Also, consumers are insufficiently informed and the public needs to be informed about and made aware of the reality of trafficking and illegal breeding as they are often confronted, when acquiring a dog or a cat, with the negative consequences of the poor welfare conditions in which the animals have been bred and kept in the establishments, such as health problems, behavioural problems or genetic defects of the dog or cat purchased or acquired.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 a (new)

(3a) Millions of animals are traded and kept as pets in the Union. Those animals are not just dogs and cats. They come from thousands of different species, each with their own unique biological and behavioural needs;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 4

~~Amendment 2~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

(3b) ~~The~~While several Member States have already introduced national Positive Lists to regulate the private ownership of animals, the absence of a unified EU framework of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of pet animal species other than dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules, ~~have~~leads to inconsistencies, gaps in enforcement, confusion for consumers and has often led to serious animal welfare consequences for those species that are unsuitable to be kept as pets, as well as risks to biodiversity, human health and safety and nature conservation;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 5

~~Amendment 3~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

(3c) There have been previous calls to establish a science-based Union-wide list of animals that have been assessed as being suitable to be kept as pets, under appropriate welfare conditions, without causing harm to populations in the wild, and therefore to European biodiversity, or to human health and safety; in doing so, it is essential to ensure an assessment of the impact on animals, including their welfare, behaviour, dietary needs, and veterinary care, in order to avoid situations that could cause unnecessary suffering, inappropriate living conditions, or endangerment of species.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 6

~~Amendment 4~~

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) Therefore, minimum animal welfare requirements should be laid down for establishments that engage in breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats. This will ensure the rational development of the sector, uniform conditions of competition, and consumer protection, while ensuring a high level of animal welfare.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter and due to consumer enthusiasm for these animals, all facilitated by the development of online purchasing. Unregulated online sales facilitate widespread exploitation and animal welfare violations. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the supplying of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats by an accessible interconnected system that identifies and registers dogs and cats. At the same time, measures should be taken that facilite cooperation between Member States for the purpose of identifying illegal breeding establishments and dismantle networks.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a) This Regulation introduces mandatory registration, reinforced controls on online sales, and enhanced traceability of dogs and cats, with transition periods of up to 10 years in order to allow the relevant authorities to prepare. It further stresses the importance of Union-wide standards for responsible breeding to prevent detrimental health and welfare impacts on dogs and cats. This Regulation addresses these issues by establishing clear welfare requirements and ensuring that breeding practices uphold the highest standards.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7

(7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners of or persons responsible for dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ ~~databases.~~databases, at the latest at the time of physical entry into the territory of the Union. This will provide for greater control on the movements of those animals. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) should be tasked with conducting investigations on illegal trade of dogs and cats to ensure the functioning of the internal market and the welfare of animals.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 10

~~Amendment 5~~

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) The traceability provisions of this proposal also contribute to the protection of public health via better animal welfare, better animal health, and strengthened vaccination protocols, thereby better controlling the possible transmission of animal diseases and cross-border health threats (some of which being of zoonotic nature), following a One Health approach as human health, animal health and the environment are interlinked.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11

(11) The supplying of dogs and cats, whether for profit or at no cost, has an impact on the internal market. Therefore, to prevent fraud, traceability of all animals traded in the Union market should be ~~ensured~~ensured, and the keeping of animals in breeding establishments, selling ~~establishments or~~establishments, animal ~~shelters~~shelters, foster homes and pounds should be subject to detailed rules. Advertisements for the sale of dogs and cats on online platforms should be required to include proof of registration and identification of the animal, including a microchip and details of the establishment or breeder. This requirement should not dissuade the Commission from assessing alternative means of identification which are less invasive than a transponder.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 12

~~Amendment 6~~

Proposal for a regulation

(14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the health risks associated with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate veterinary ~~care~~care, and the practical difficulties, in certain cases, to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should not exempt from certain obligations pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 13

~~Amendment 7~~

Proposal for a regulation

(15) Once the threshold for breeding activities referred to in the previous recital is reached, any premises used for the purpose of breeding animals are subject to the rules for breeding establishments laid down in Chapter II of this Regulation, even if the breeding activities take place in households, as this is often the case for different kinds of commercial breeders. Households where dogs and cats are kept for purposes other than reproduction are not considered as breeding establishments and do not have to comply with Chapter II of this Regulation.

(15) Any premises used for the purpose of breeding animals are subject to the rules for breeding establishments laid down in Chapter II of this Regulation, even if the breeding activities take place in households, as this is often the case for different kinds of commercial breeders. ~~Households where dogs and cats are kept for purposes other than reproduction are not considered as breeding establishments and do not have to comply with Chapter II of this Regulation.~~

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 14

~~Amendment 8~~

Proposal for a regulation

(17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators ~~carrying~~carry out different types of activities ~~supply~~with respect to the placing on the market of dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are pet shops where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept or brought together for ~~sale.~~sale or collection. The protection of these animals ~~may~~is beoften suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. For this reason, this Regulation should prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. Such a measure would significantly improve animal welfare and human health and safety, for example by preventing young animals from being separated from their mothers prematurely, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and psychological development, possibly leading to behavioural problems and aggression towards the owner during adulthood.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 15

~~Amendment 9~~

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 17 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(17a) Pet shops cannot provide a suitable environment for dogs and cats that ensures their welfare nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state. For this reason, this Regulation should prohibit the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops. Such a measure would significantly improve animal welfare and human health and safety, for example by preventing young animals from being separated from their mothers prematurely, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and psychological development, possibly leading during adulthood to behavioural problems and aggression towards the owner. Selling dogs and cats in pet shops also triggers impulse purchases, leading to higher risk of suboptimal care and abandonment.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18a) To effectively manage the overpopulation of stray and feral cats, local or regional authorities should be given the task of implementing comprehensive animal control programmes. These programmes should include the humane trapping of cats, followed by veterinary care for sterilisation, identification, registration and vaccination. Once deemed healthy, the cats should either be returned to their original outdoor colonies, if this is appropriate and permitted by law, placed in animal shelters for potential adoption, or relocated to designated environments that comply with public health and animal welfare regulations.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18b) The competent authorities should provide financial assistance to shelters and foster homes when neutering or spaying dogs and cats. In this context, Union funding programmes could be explored to provide further financial assistance. It is also necessary to assess the long-term effects of these measures on the health and behaviour of animals, as well as their contribution to reducing the number of abandoned animals and potential ecological consequences.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18c) Considering the administrative burden that animal shelters and organisations responsible for the management of stray populations of dogs or cats experience impose on these entities in addition to the existing economic constraints, Member States should explore capabilities of streamlining resources recovered from infringements of this Regulation to support and cover administrative and operational costs of shelters and organisations responsible for the management of stray populations of dogs or cats .

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

(19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and selling establishments, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all supply dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a selling establishment or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of having been kept in poor welfare conditions and which may reduce their suitability to be kept as a pet animal, irrespective of whether the animal has been kept in a commercial breeding establishment, in a selling establishment or in a shelter. Moreover, given that trade is also conducted by intermediaries and mostly online, consumers may not be aware before they acquire a dog or a cat of whether the animal originates from a shelter, a breeder or a selling establishment. It should therefore be mandatory for that information to be included in an advertisement. In the absence of that information, posting the advertisement online should not be possible. There is evidence that the number of animals supplied to the Union market by shelters is significant, in particular for cats. There is also evidence that animals are supplied from shelters in some Member States to prospective pet owners in other Member States, in particular for dogs. In order to ensure the achievement of the objective of this Regulation to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market in dogs and cats, and the rational development of the sector while ensuring a high level of animal welfare, it is necessary to apply some of the requirements of this Regulation to shelters that keep a certain minimum number of animals, irrespective of whether they sell animals against payment or only supply animals for free or upon reimbursement of reasonable costs. However, for reasons of proportionality and given that the activities of shelters differ from those of other operators and may fulfil a public interest function, only some of the requirements of this Regulation should apply to shelters, concerning, in particular ~~the number and competence of animal caretakers,~~ housing, feeding and watering, behavioural needs and painful practices, and unannounced advisory visits by a ~~veterinarian.~~veterinarian linked with control and reporting requirements.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 20

~~Amendment 10~~

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3319 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(33a) In order to prevent the overpopulation and to create safer and healthier conditions for dogs and cats, the competent authorities should provide financial assistance to shelters and foster homes when neutering or spaying dogs and cats.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 21

~~Amendment 11~~

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 22

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(22) The concept of the “five domains” (nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state) has been developed through scientific evidence to describe the different dimensions of animal welfare. It does not focus only on the absence of negative experiences for the animal but also encompasses positive experiences. This Regulation should therefore be based on the concept of the “five domains”.

(22) This Regulation should therefore be based on the concept of the “five domains” (nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state). Those principles are based on scientific evidence which is the basis for ensuring high health and welfare standards across all species under human care. Those principles reflect longstanding commitments of the Union to animal welfare, as enshrined in Article 13 of TFEU and are also reflected in the One Health approach.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 23

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 24

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(24) Distress and suffering of dogs and cats during training activities by untrained, or poorly educated handlers can have detrimental effects on the behavioural patterns of dogs and cats with possible risks for human health and safety and the environment. Therefore, well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals, including when breeding, keeping and handling dogs intended for military, police and customs services. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats. Animal caretakers and relevant authorities, including government´s agencies should regularly update their competences through training programmes promoting training methods such as ‘operant conditioning’, prioritising positive reinforcement, instead of methods based on punishment.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 24 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(24b) The Commission with the support of Member States should create a Union long-term education programme for the training and keeping of dogs employed in military, police and customs services given their vital role in protecting of human safety and the environment, including from hazardous chemicals and explosives. Such a programme should be based on active cooperation of scientists and experienced trainers, provide for structured education, certification programmes and a common benchmarking across all 27 Member States. It should build upon existing guidances and standards of Union agencies and the NATO. The holistic programme should encompass four essential pillars allowing for a holistic approach to the welfare of working dogs in public authorities. The physical health pillar should focus on ensuring optimal nutrition, veterinary care and protection from injuries, including heat injuries. The mental health pillar should address the stress and anxiety associated with high-pressure roles through attachment, routine and downtime. The environmental pillar should provide for suitable kennelling, transportation and thermoregulation to ensure comfort and safety. The ethics and human interaction pillar should form the basis to develop modern, ethical frameworks that account for the unique challenges faced by working dogs and their handlers.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Veterinarians should play an active role in raising awareness on the interrelationship between the health and welfare of those animals. Establishments keeping dogs and cats should therefore receive a mandatory annual animal health and welfare visit from a veterinarian. Veterinarians should be sufficiently independent from the operator and should receive regular trainings to remain up to date with the latest developments and knowledge. If veterinarians witness situations which pose a serious threat to the welfare of the dogs or cats during their animal health and welfare visit, they should immediately inform the relevant competent authorities, and conduct a follow-up visit within two months.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 25 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(25a) In order to combat the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance, it is necessary to ensure that specific establishments do not exceedingly administer antibiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to set certain monitoring and registration requirements for the use of antibiotics in establishments.

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 36 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(36a) Veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring that One Health principles - which recognise the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health - are respected across the Union. They are essential in safeguarding animal welfare standards, preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, and identifying risks related to public health, including management of cross-border public health threats, and biodiversity. Given their expertise, veterinarians should actively contribute to the early detection and reporting of severe cases of animal maltreatment, including neglect, abuse, and acts of violence against animals. If veterinarians identify instances of violence or domestic violence involving companion animals, they should be required to report such findings to the competent authority, ensuring that necessary follow-up actions are taken to protect both animals and vulnerable individuals. To provide a harmonised and effective approach, the Commission should be empowered to adopt delegated acts establishing specific obligations and reporting procedures for veterinarians to ensure the effective enforcement of animal welfare standards and the One Health approach.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 37

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(37) Prior inspection by official veterinarians or other professionals, in case the official control task has been delegated, and consequent approval of establishments is an effective way to ensure that establishments comply with the requirements of this Regulation. However, given that inspections should be focused on establishments representing a higher risk from the point of view of animal welfare, and given the limited availability of official veterinarians in Member States, it is not proportionate to require prior on-site inspection and approval for all establishments. The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly bred, kept and treated before being placed on the market, in particular due to the consequences that poor animal welfare conditions at an early age can have for dogs and cats. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of the breeding establishments and thus to strengthen public control and citizens' awareness.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 38

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(38) Some operators placing on the market dogs and cats, or shelters supplying dogs and cats, encourage potential customers to buy at any cost using emotional arguments, without mentioning to the potential owner the consequences of owning a pet animal. Other operators or shelters insist on the responsibility attached to pet ownership and this has the effect of limiting their ability to sell animals. This discrepancy of attitudes of operators tends to advantage less responsible operators, leading to distortions of competition despite the importance for animal welfare and public order of informing customers about their responsibility when buying a dog or a cat. It is therefore justified to require that all suppliers of dogs and cats in the Union market for use as pets inform future owners on their responsibility. In addition, where the supply of a dog or cat is facilitated by online means, an appropriate warning should accompany the online advertisement to efficiently convey the message of responsible ownership and to provide information on legal and financial consequences in the event of abandonment. The introduction of mandatory animal registration will also make it possible, if necessary, to trace persons who have abandoned animals. Sharing of relevant information in written form on responsible ownership should therefore be introduced as a general principle when acquiring an animal. Without prejudice to Regulations (EU) 2019/6 and (EU) 528/2012 on biocidal and veterinary products, written information should be shared with the acquirers related to past and expected vaccination, existing and eventual risks related to biocidal and veterinary products.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 39

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonise the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal enters the Union for the first time. Suppliers and owners of dogs and cats should provide evidence of identification and registration in one of the databases established by Member States for this purpose following the birth of such animals and at every change of ownership or responsibility.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 43

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 46

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 47 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(47a) In order to effectively address the risks to public health posed by illegal imports of dogs or cats into the Union, and to trace the origin of the dog or the cat in the third country, it is important that dogs and cats imported from third countries comply with rules as regards their registration into a Member State database at the arrival at the Union border.

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 48

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of supplementing this Regulation by laying down the animal-based indicators and amending this Regulation so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes, phenotypes or excessive conformational traits that have detrimental effects on the welfare of the dogs and cats including, where necessary, amending the Annexes to this Regulation.

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 55

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions. The Commission should evaluate the potential extension of this Regulation to other companion animals. The evaluation should also assess the technological possibility of using alternative means which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder without compromising the Union’s traceability system preventing fraud and illegal trade, and should assess the proportionality of the cost of identification for natural and legal persons subject to the identification obligation under this Regulation.

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 56

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(56) To ensure the full application of this Regulation, Member States should lay down rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and ensure that they are implemented. Those penalties must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive, including, for example, a ban from keeping and working with animals for notorious animal abusers and persons involved in illegal trade of animals.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a

(a) the welfare of dogs and cats bred or kept in establishments, or handled or placed on the Union market;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 38

~~Justification~~

A clear delineation of the scope is necessary to ensure proper implementation of the Regulation, including the provisions on traceability and the possible implications for human health and the environment.

~~Amendment 12~~

Proposal for a regulation

(b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.

(b) minimum requirements for the traceability of dogs and cats bred or kept in the Union or placed on the Union market.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 39

~~Justification~~

In order to improve animal welfare and ensure full traceability, the provisions should cover all dogs and cats, not just animals placed on the market. Adequate transition periods and simplified rules for private owners shall be foreseen. The term "supplied" is removed throughout the text, following a Council suggestion.

~~Amendment 13~~

Proposal for a regulation

1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as their supplying in the Union.

1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, ~~keeping and~~keeping, placing on the market of dogs and ~~cats.~~cats as well as to their entry into the Union.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 40

~~Amendment 14~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 32 – paragraph ~~1 – point 3 b (new)~~2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~3b. ‘breeding’ means the activity of keeping dogs or cats for the purpose of reproduction;~~

2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes.

~~Or. en~~

~~Justification~~

Amendment 41

~~Pet owners are not considered breeders if reproduction happens accidentally.~~

~~Amendment 15~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. ‘breeding’ means the activity of keeping dogs or cats in breeding establishments for the purpose of reproduction;

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4

4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained or handled in an establishment;

4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained, handled, held, housed or cared for ~~also~~ in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator or a natural person other than an operator;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 43

~~Justification~~

~~Clear definitions are necessary to ensure proper implementation of the Regulation, including the provisions on traceability and the possible implications for human health and the environment.~~

~~Amendment 16~~

Proposal for a regulation

5. ‘placing on the market’ means the sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or ~~responsibility ,~~responsibility, whether in return for payment or free of charge, excluding occasional and irregular donations of small numbers of dogs and cats by natural persons by other means than via the intermediation of an online platform, as well as the advertising of animals for the above purposes;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 44

~~Justification~~

~~In order to ensure traceability, it is important to also include animal shelters and other establishments which give away animals for free.~~

~~Amendment 17~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

5a. ‘occasional and irregular donation’ means a donation that occurs no more than once every 36 months;

Amendment 45

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6

deleted

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 46

~~Amendment 18~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or the sypplying of dogs and cats;

7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market of dogs or cats;

Amendment 47

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

8. ‘listing’ means the publication, on an online platform, of an advertisement for the supply of a dog or a cat;

8. ‘listing’ means the publication of an advertisement for the supply of a dog or a cat;

Amendment 48

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 11

11. ‘establishments’ means breeding establishments, selling establishments, animal shelters, foster homes and pounds;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 49

~~Amendment 19~~

Proposal for a regulation

12. ‘breeding establishments’ means any premises or structure, including households, where dogs or cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 50

~~Justification~~

~~Households which breed animals intentionally should be included in order to ensure full traceability and prevent illegal trade. Simplified rules will apply for small breeders.~~

~~Amendment 20~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1213 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~12a.~~13a. ‘selling establishments’ means any premises, including households and any premises or structures of gathering operations, where dogs or cats are kept for sale without necessarily having been born there, asother ~~well~~than asa ~~any~~pet ~~premises~~shop or ~~structures of assembly~~shelter, ~~operation~~and where dogs and cats are ~~assembled~~gathered from more than one establishment;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 51

~~Amendment 21~~

Proposal for a regulation

14. ~~‘animal shelters’~~‘shelters’ means any premises or structure, including households, where unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats are kept for the purpose of placing ~~them~~ on the market;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 52

~~Amendment 22~~

Proposal for a regulation

14a. ‘foster home’ means a household that keeps dogs or cats on behalf of an operator responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 53

~~Amendment 23~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

14b. ‘pound’ means a facility where animals surrendered by animal control officers or contracted dog or cat catchers are surrendered as part of animal control management activities and can include shelters;

Amendment 54

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15

15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person that places animals on the market ~~and~~or that is responsible for a breeding establishment, a selling establishment or a shelter and for dogs and cats kept therein, or that is responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats and places them in foster homes;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 55

~~Amendment 24~~

Proposal for a regulation

19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, other than neutering or implantation of a transponder, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 56

~~Amendment 25~~

Proposal for a regulation

21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs or cats are kept, whether temporarily or permanently;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 57

~~Amendment 26~~

Proposal for a regulation

24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment;

24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs orand cats bred or ~~kept,~~kept in an establishment including ~~volunteers~~volunteers, ~~and~~interns ~~interns;~~or part-time workers;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 58

~~Amendment 27~~

Proposal for a regulation

27. ‘container’ means any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used to confine dogs and cats;

27. ‘container’ means any cage, crate, box, ~~cage,~~ receptacle or ~~other rigid~~movable structure used to confine dogs or cats;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 59

~~Amendment 28~~

Proposal for a regulation

28. ‘pet animal’ means a dog or cat intended to be kept in a household for private enjoyment and companionship;

~~deleted~~

28. ‘pet animal’ means an animal intended and suitable for enhancing the leisure-time of, providing companionship for and taking care of a human being;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 60

~~Amendment 29~~

~~Proposal for a regulation~~

~~Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28 a (new)~~

~~Text proposed by the Commission~~

~~Amendment~~

28a. “pound” means a facility where animals surrendered by animal control officers or contracted dog or cat catchers are surrendered as part of animal control management activities and can include shelters;

~~Or. en~~

~~Amendment 30~~

Proposal for a regulation

deleted

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 61

~~Justification~~

In order to ensure animal welfare and full traceability, all breeders should be included without exemption. A vast majority of Member States already has such provisions. Simplified rules for small breeders shall apply.

~~Amendment 31~~

Proposal for a regulation

deleted

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 62

~~Amendment 32~~

Proposal for a regulation

– shelters keeping at any given time ten dogs or less or twenty cats or less.

~~– shelters or foster homes keeping at any given time fifteen dogs or less or twenty cats or less.~~

– shelters, where up to a total of 15 dogs or cats are kept at any given time, or any foster home shall only be subject to the obligations laid down in Article 5, Article 6(1), (1a), (1b), Article 7, Article 8(1), Article 11(1), (2), (3) and (4), Article 12(2), (3), (4) and (7), Article 13(2)(a), (b), (ba), (c), (d), Article 14(1), (2), (3), (4), (5a), (6), and Article 15.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 63

~~Justification~~

~~The amendment aims at reducing burden for small shelters and foster homes.~~

~~Amendment 33~~

Proposal for a regulation

Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall apply the following principles with respect to dogs and cats bred or kept in their establishment:

Operators and animal caretakers shall apply the following general principles with respect to dogs or cats bred or kept in their establishment:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 64

~~Amendment 34~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) dogs and cats are kept in a good physical environment which is comfortable, especially in terms of space, temperature, and ease of movement.

(b) dogs and cats are kept in a good physical environment which is comfortable and suitably hygienic, especially in terms of space, temperature, light, and freedom of movement, in order to ensure the health of the animals.

Amendment 65

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c

(c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, or mutilations.

(c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by ~~preventing~~preventing, and, where relevant, effectively treating, diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and physical or emotional pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, breeding practices, or mutilations.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 66

~~Amendment 35~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Amendment

1a. Operators and ~~animal~~ caretakers shall not mistreat or abandon ~~dogs or~~the ~~cats.~~animals.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 68

~~Justification~~

~~Overpopulation can pose environmental risks and health risks.~~

~~Amendment 36~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The breeding of dogs and cats with extreme features, including brachycephalic features, shall be prohibited as it compromises the welfare of the animals and leads to a high risk of detrimental effects.

Amendment 69

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – title

Obligation regarding the notification and registration of the breeding or keeping of dogs and cats in establishments

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 70

~~Justification~~

~~Full registration is paramount.~~

~~Amendment 37~~

Proposal for a regulation

Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing the following information:

Operators ~~and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters~~ shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing at least the following information:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 71

~~Amendment 38~~

Proposal for a regulation

(a) the identity, name and address of the operator;

(a) the identity, name and address of the operator or the natural or legal person ~~responsible for the shelter;~~responsible;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 72

~~Amendment 39~~

Proposal for a regulation

(c) the type of establishment: breeding establishment, selling ~~establishment~~establishment, foster home, shelter or ~~shelter;;~~pound;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 73

~~Amendment 40~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

(ea) for breeding establishments, the estimated number of litters to be placed on the market per ~~year.~~year;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 74

~~Amendment 41~~

Proposal for a regulation

(eb) the contact details of the natural person under whose control the dogs or cats are being kept and the registration details of the shelter or foster home.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 75

~~Amendment 42~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

The competent authority shall maintain a register of establishments and may use for this purpose the register provided for in Article 101(1), point (a), of Regulation (EU) ~~2016/429;~~2016/429.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 76

~~Amendment 43~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters place on the market dogs or cats for purposes of keeping them, they shall provide to the acquirer of a dog or a cat the written information necessary to enable him or her to ensure health and general welfare of the animal, including information on responsible ownership and on the specific needs of the dog or cat in terms of feeding, caring, health, housing and behavioural needs, as well as information on its health, including vaccination status and schedule, and identification and registration.

Amendment 77

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – title

Animal health and welfare visits

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 78

~~Amendment 44~~

Proposal for a regulation

(a) ensure that by ... ~~[one~~[1 year from the date of application of this Regulation] or within the first year from the date of the notification of a new establishment, whichever is the earlier, the establishments under their responsibility receive, at least once a year, an unannounced visit by an official veterinarian, hired by the competent authority, for the purpose of identifying and assessing any risk factor for ~~the welfare of the dogs and cats~~animal ~~and~~welfare, advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address ~~those~~ risks for animal ~~welfare;~~welfare, health and the environment, and, if the findings indicate that the risk factors are severe, report back to the competent authority in line with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and follow-up with a visit within two months;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 79

~~Justification~~

~~Veterinary control is important in order to also exclude possible risks for public health associated to poor welfare conditions in the establishments.~~

~~Amendment 45~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) record the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 5 years, making them available to the competent authorities and visiting veterinarian upon request.

Amendment 80

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to be assessed during animal welfare visits.

2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to be assessed during animal welfare and health visits including the training requirements for the veterinarians involved.

Amendment 81

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c

(c) where animals are kept in ~~breeding establishments or selling~~ establishments, air quality and circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are kept within limits which are not harmful to dogs and cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating and, where necessary, in combination with heating systems, to remove excessive ~~moisture;;~~moisture;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 82

~~Amendment 46~~

Proposal for a regulation

Containers may only be used for the transport and short-term, temporary isolation for medical purposes of individual dogs and cats provided that stress is avoided, including stress due to extreme temperatures, and that the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 83

~~Amendment 47~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

Keeping or selling dogs or cats in pet shops shall be prohibited.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 84

~~Justification~~

The sale of dogs and cats in pet shops is already banned in 12 Member States, as it can, under unfavourable circumstances, be highly detrimental to animal welfare, for example when an animal is separated from its mother at a very young age, and can cause behavioural disorders such as aggression towards the owner during adulthood with possible implications for human health.

~~Amendment 48~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that:

2. Operators, natural or legal persons responsible for shelters, foster homes and pounds, and animal caretakers shall ensure that:

Amendment 85

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point d

(d) measures including veterinary medication are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments and vaccinations to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological ~~situation;~~situation:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 86

~~Amendment 49~~

Proposal for a regulation

Amendment

(da) ~~animal caretakers in shelters take~~ all measures necessary to prevent reproduction of the ~~dog~~animals under their care have been taken, including by neutering such dogs or ~~cat~~cats ~~kept~~before ~~therein;~~their release into the wild from shelters unless otherwise indicated by the future owner or a veterinarian;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 87

~~Amendment 50~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point de ba (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~(db) unless otherwise indicated by a veterinarian, no dog or cat is released from a shelter unneutered.~~

(ea) relevant health and vaccination related information including information on biocidal products, and information on responsible ownership are shared with the acquirer of a dog or cat;

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 88

~~Amendment 51~~

Proposal for a regulation

~~Article 16 – title~~

Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~Approval of breeding establishments~~

(eb) health care for animals is aligned with a ‘One Health’ approach, such as the prudent use of antibiotics to avoid anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

~~Approval of breeding and selling establishments~~

Amendment 89

~~Or. en~~

~~Amendment 52~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Operators shall ensure that:

Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that:

Amendment 90

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 1

1. From [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], operators shall obtain approval of their breeding establishment from the competent authority before selling dogs and cats born in their establishment.

1. From [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], operators of breeding establishments that either produce or intend to produce more than ~~three~~3 litters per calendar year, or that keep more than three bitches or queens at any given time, and operators of selling establishments shall obtain approval of their ~~breeding~~ establishment from the competent authority before placing on the market dogs and ~~cats born in their establishment.~~cats.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 91

~~Justification~~

~~Small breeders shall benefit from simplified rules.~~

~~Amendment 53~~

Proposal for a regulation

2. The competent authority shall grant a certificate of approval for a breeding establishment, provided that, prior on-site inspection has confirmed that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation.

2. The competent authority shall perform on-site inspection to verify that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation. Member States may allow such inspections to be carried out remotely provided that the means of communication used provide sufficient evidence for the competent authority to perform reliable inspections. The competent authority shall grant a certificate of approval for ~~a breeding~~an establishment, provided that, prior inspection has confirmed that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 92

~~Justification~~

~~Inspections are important in order to also exclude possible risks for public health associated to poor welfare conditions in the establishment.~~

~~Amendment 54~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. The competent authorities shall maintain a list of the approved breeding establishments and make it publicly available.

3. The competent authorities shall maintain a public list of the approved breeding establishments and make it accessible free of charge.

Amendment 93

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1

1. ~~All~~From ~~dogs~~[3 ~~and~~years ~~cats~~from ~~kept,~~the ~~also~~date inof ~~establishments,~~entry ~~and~~into force], all dogs and cats kept either in establishments or placed on the ~~market~~market, shall be individually identified by means of an injectable transponder containing a microchip, that complies with the requirements set out in Annex II. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 94

~~Justification~~

In order to ensure full traceability, identification and registration of all dogs and cats is paramount. In relation to dogs, a transition period of 4 years is foreseen. In relation to cats, a transition period of 10 years is foreseen. 24 Member States already have full identification and registration of dogs in place, several Member States extend this also to cats.

~~Amendment 55~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraphs 1 a and 1 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Operators of selling establishments, operators of shelters and operators responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost, or confiscated dogs or cats shall ensure that dogs and cats that enter their establishments or come under their responsibility are individually identified within 30 days from their arrival at the establishment and, in any event, before the date of their placing on the market;

From ... [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all dogs kept shall be individually identified in accordance with subparagraph 1.

~~Or. en~~

From ... [10 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all cats kept shall be individually identified in accordance with subparagraph 1.

Amendment 5695

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 21 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are individually identified within three months after their birth and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall within two working days from their identification, be registered by a veterinarian in a national database referred to in Article 19. For dogs or cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs or cats kept in shelters, the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the shelter. For natural persons, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. For any other dogs or cats in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of the responsible competent authority. In the event of transfer of ownership or responsibility, the natural or legal person placing the dog or cat on the market and any subsequent owner of, or responsible for, the dog or the cat, shall ensure that the change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19 within two weeks from the date of change of ownership or responsibility, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible for that database.

Operators of selling establishments, shelters, and those responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats that enter their establishments or come under their responsibility are individually identified within 30 days after their arrival at the establishment and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

~~Or. en~~

Natural or legal persons, other than operators, placing dogs or cats on the market shall ensure that they are individually identified before the date or their placing on the market.

~~Amendment 57~~

Dogs and cats which have been individually identified by means of an injectable transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Union or national law before ... [the date of application of this Regulation], shall be considered compliant with the requirements in this paragraph, provided that the microchip is readable.

Where a veterinarian considers that the implantation of a microchip could significantly compromise the dog’s or cat’s health, the veterinarian may delay the microchip implantation temporarily until the animal’s health concerns can be suitably addressed. In case a dog or a cat is experiencing significant adverse reactions after the implantation of the microchip, the veterinarian shall take all the necessary actions to improve the dog’s or cat’s health, including temporary removal of the microchip.

Amendment 96

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 2 ~~a (new)~~

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~2a.~~2. ~~Where~~From a[3 ~~dog~~years orfrom athe ~~cat~~date ~~kept~~of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in anaccordance ~~establishment~~with ~~dies,~~paragraph 1 shall be registered by the ~~operator~~veterinarian, ~~shall~~or ~~ensure~~an ~~that~~assistant under the ~~death~~responsibility isof ~~recorded~~the veterinarian, in ~~the~~a national database referred to in Article ~~19,~~19. For dogs and cats kept in ~~accordance~~breeding ~~with~~establishments, the ~~conditions~~registration ~~laid~~shall ~~down~~be bymade in the ~~Member~~name ~~State~~of the owner of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs and cats kept in shelters , the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the shelter. For natural persons intending to supply a dog or a cat in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of that ~~database;~~person. Any subsequent owner of, or responsible for, the dog or the cat, shall ensure that the change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19.

~~Or. en~~

2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall within 7 days from their identification, be registered by a veterinarian in a national database referred to in Article 19. Where possible, the national database shall include the lineage of dogs and cats for a minimum of five generations. For dogs or cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs or cats kept in shelters, foster homes or pounds, the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the establishment. For natural persons, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. For any other dogs or cats in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of the responsible competent authority. In the event of transfer of ownership or responsibility, the natural or legal person placing the dog or cat on the market and any subsequent owner of, or responsible for, the dog or the cat, shall ensure that the change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19 within two weeks from the date of change of ownership or responsibility, in accordance with the national law of the Member State responsible for that database.

Amendment 5897

Proposal for a regulation

From [3 years from the date of entry into force], before supplying a dog or a cat in the Union, the supplier shall provide to the acquirer of the animal:

From [3 years from the date of entry into force], before placing a dog or a cat on the market in the Union, the natural or legal person placing the dog or cat on the market shall provide to the acquirer of the ~~animal:~~animal, whether a natural or legal person:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 98

~~Amendment 59~~

Proposal for a regulation

(a) proof of the identification and registration of the animal in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2;

(a) proof of the identification and registration of the animal to the natural or legal person in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2, and the weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6;6,

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 99

~~Justification~~

~~Stricter registration requirements allow that animals are associated to a natural or legal person in order to effectively tackle illegal pet trade.~~

~~Amendment 60~~

Proposal for a regulation

Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of animals supplied through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of animals ~~verified~~provided through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 100

~~Amendment 61~~

Proposal for a regulation

From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows natural or legal persons placing dogs and cats on the market to comply with their obligations under paragraph ~~3 of this Article,~~3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible ~~manner,~~manner and without imposing an administrative burden on them, of the identification and registration of the ~~animal,~~dog ~~verified~~or bycat. ~~the~~This ~~system,~~information shall be verified through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 66. ofThe ~~this~~sale ~~Article.~~shall be conditional upon a positive result from the automated check performed by the system referred to in paragraph 6.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 101

~~Amendment 62~~

Proposal for a regulation

6. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall ensure that an online system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the market, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent ~~entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.~~entity. The system shall meet the following criteria:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 102

~~Amendment 63~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – ~~indent 2 a~~introductory ~~(new)~~part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– based on the content of the databases referred to in Article 19(3), point a, the exact information to be provided by natural and legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market, as proof of identification and registration of the dogs or cats in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 3 of this Article, both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms or by other means;

By the [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6:

~~Or. en~~

The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down:

~~Amendment 64~~

(a) based on the content of the databases referred to in Article 19(3), point (a), the exact information to be provided, by natural and legal persons keeping or placing dogs or cats on the market, as proof of identification and registration of the dogs or cats in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 3 of this Article, both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms or by other means;

(b) the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6:

Amendment 103

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The implementing acts referred to in point (a) shall be adopted by ... [the date of application of this Regulation] and the implementing acts referred to in point (b) shall be adopted by ... [3 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation].

Amendment 104

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 105

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 106

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ac) ensuring that shelter medicine courses, including those with a focus on herd health, are available for veterinarians;

Amendment 107

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 108

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)

Amendment

~~(ba) certifying the animal caretakers who have successfully completed the training courses referred to in point (a);~~

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 109

~~Amendment 65~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 ~~– subparagraph 1~~ a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~The competent authorities may delegate the task referred to in point (ba);~~

By ... [3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall adopt a long-term education programme to stimulate cooperation between Union agencies and relevant public authorities to improve the welfare and skills of dogs intended for military, police and customs services used in the Union. In addition to addressing the essential pillars focusing on dogs physical health, mental health, environment and ethics and human interaction, the education programme shall specifically support education and deepen expertise of trainers, handlers and dogs in the following areas:

~~Or. en~~

(a) operant conditioning and positive reinforcement;

~~Amendment 66~~

(b) behavioural science and welfare principles, including on nutrition, health, transportation, and ethical considerations throughout the dog’s life cycle;

Amendment 110

Proposal for a regulation

Article ~~19 – paragraph 2~~18 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs or cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this index database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.

Article 18a

~~Or. en~~

National information campaigns on the protection of stray animals and legislation concerning the protection of stray animals

~~Amendment 67~~

(a) the legal obligations of keepers of pet animals;

(b) the responsibilities and actions of local authorities in managing strays, as well as the actions that they are to take to prevent abandonment;

(c) the steps to be taken if a person finds a lost or abandoned animal, including contacting veterinary services, animal shelters or the local police;

(d) a statement of the importance of responsible adoption and neutering to reduce the stray animal population.

4. The Commission shall encourage the exchange of best practices between Member States.

Amendment 111

Proposal for a regulation

~~Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b~~

Article 18 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~(b) their interoperability between Member States;~~

Article 18b

~~(b) the interoperability between Member States databases and the index database;~~

Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats

~~Or. en~~

~~Amendment 68~~

2. To reduce the number of strays, Member States shall be encouraged to identify and use national and private sources of funding for:

(a) free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and for pet animals belonging to low-income people or animal protection organisations;

(c) actions to raise awareness among and educate the population about the responsibility of keeping a pet animal and the negative effects of abandonment on animal welfare and on communities.

Amendment 112

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], competent authorities shall establish and maintain a database for the registration of microchipped dogs and cats.

1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the competent authorities shall establish and maintain at least one database for dogs and cats that have been registered in accordance with Article 17(2) and Article 21(4).

Amendment 113

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. From [5 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation], Member States shall ensure that their databases referred to in paragraph 1 comply with the requirements laid down by the implementing act referred to in paragraph 3, point (b), to ensure their interoperability so that the identification of all registered dogs or a cats can be authenticated and traced across the Union.

Amendment 114

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs or cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission and the competent authorities of Member States shall co-operate to establish and maintain a publicly accessible database of animal shelter establishments across the Union, ensuring transparency and accountability in adherence to animal welfare law.

Amendment 115

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)

Amendment

(fa) the interconnection between the Member States databases referred to in paragraph 1 and any other relevant database, including the Information Management System for Official Controls ~~(IMSOC), where relevant.~~(IMSOC).

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 116

~~Amendment 69~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall adopt the implementing acts referred to in this paragraph by ... [the date of application of this Regulation].

Amendment 117

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

1. From [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], dogs or cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the Union market if they have been bred and kept in compliance with any of the following:

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 118

~~Amendment 70~~

Proposal for a regulation

Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union shall be identified with a microchip as referred to in Article 17(1) and allowing for traceability.

~~Dogs and cats entering into the Union shall be identified before their entry by~~Without aprejudice ~~veterinarian~~to ~~with~~Article a10(1)(a) ~~microchip~~of ~~compliant~~Regulation ~~with~~(EU) ~~Annex~~No II576/2013 and ~~registered in a~~Article ~~database~~74(1) of ~~their country of~~Regulation ~~origin.~~(EU) ~~Alternatively,~~2020/69211, dogs and cats ~~may be registered at the borders~~entering into ~~one of~~ the ~~Member~~Union ~~States´~~for ~~databases~~travel ~~before~~or ~~entering~~placing ~~the~~on ~~Union.~~the Amarket ~~Member~~shall ~~State~~be ~~may~~identified ~~allow~~before ~~the~~their ~~registration~~entry by ~~other persons~~a ~~than~~veterinarian ~~veterinarians,~~with ~~provided~~a ~~that~~microchip itcompliant ~~has~~with ~~measures~~Annex inII ~~place~~and toregistered ~~ensure~~in ~~the~~a ~~accuracy~~database of ~~information inserted~~their incountry ~~the~~of ~~database.~~origin.

~~__________________~~

_________________

~~__________________~~

_________________

~~Or. en~~

~~Justification~~

Amendment 119

The amendment aims at simplifying provisions and avoiding bureaucracy instead of creating another EU database (for the non-commercial movement of pets). Registration at the border does not require significant additional technical or educational effort, since the entry of animals into the EU is already today managed by specially equipped posts at the external borders.

~~Amendment 71~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Dogs and cats shall be registered at the borders in one of the Member States´ databases before entering the Union. A Member State may allow the registration by persons other than veterinarians, provided that the Member State has measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database.

Amendment 120

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

deleted

Amendment 121

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Amendment 122

Proposal for a regulation

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point j

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(j) requirements for transponders used to mark dogs and cats;

(j) requirements for transponders used to individually identify dogs and cats;

Amendment 123

Proposal for a regulation

Article 25 – paragraph 1

1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining or adopting any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability and in force at the time of entry into force of this Regulation, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before [the date of application of this Regulation], Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 124

~~Amendment 72~~

Proposal for a regulation

~~Article 25 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1~~

Article 26 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from adopting stricter national measures aimed at ensuring more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats kept in establishments within the territory of a Member State on the following animal welfare issues:

Reporting and evaluation

This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from adopting stricter national measures aimed at ensuring more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs or cats within the territory of a Member State.

Reporting, evaluation and review

~~(a) housing conditions;~~

Amendment 125

~~(b) mutilations;~~

~~(c) enrichment;~~

~~(d) selection and breeding programmes, including minimum and maximum age for breeding.~~

~~Or. en~~

~~Justification~~

~~Following the EU´s One Health approach, human and animal health are closely linked and interdependent.~~

~~Amendment 73~~

Proposal for a regulation

1. On the basis of the reports received in accordance with Article 20 and additional relevant information, the Commission shall publish, by [5 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] and thereafter every 3 years, a monitoring report on the welfare of dogs and cats placed on the market in the Union.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 126

~~Amendment 74~~

Proposal for a regulation

2. By [7 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

2. By [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall:

~~Or. en~~

(a) carry out an evaluation and review of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats;

~~Amendment 75~~

(b) carry out an assessment on the situation of stray animals;

(c) establish a list of animal species allowed to be kept and placed on the market, where a prior impact assessment has showed its added value and feasibility;

(d) assess the potential extension of the scope of this Regulation to include other animals by amending this Regulation;

(e) assess the possibility of using alternative means of identification which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder; and

(f) present a report on the main findings of points (a) to (e) to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

Amendment 127

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2627 – paragraph 31 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. By ... [five years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] at the latest, the Commission shall establish a list of animal species allowed to be kept and placed on the market, where a prior impact assessment has showed its added value and feasibility.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 128

~~Justification~~

Such an impact assessment, which has the support of a large majority of Member States, is already being conducted by the Commission and should be finalized soon. By establishing a positive list, the EU would be able to better regulate the ownership of exotic, traditional or non-traditional pets, ensuring that only species suitable for private care are kept as companions. Such a list would also reduce zoonotic risks to public health and reduce the economic, social, and environmental impacts of invasive alien species.

~~Amendment 76~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 27 – paragraph 1 ab (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Member States shall lay down guidelines facilitate the deployment of resources recovered from infringements of this Regulation to supporting and covering administrative and operational costs of shelters and organisations responsible for management of stray populations of dogs or cats.

~~Or. en~~

Amendment 129

~~Amendment 77~~

Proposal for a regulation

Article 28 – paragraph 2 ~~a (new)~~

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~Article 9(2), Article 17(1) to (3) in relation to dogs, and Article 19(1)~~It shall apply from ~~... [4~~[2 years from the date of entry into force of this ~~Regulation];~~Regulation], unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation.

~~Or. en~~

It shall apply from [18 months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation.

Amendment 78130

Proposal for a regulation

~~Article 28 – paragraph 2 b (new)~~

Annex II – introductory part

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

~~Article 17(1) to (3) in relation to cats shall apply from ... [10 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation];~~

Transponders used to mark cats and dogs as required in Article 16 shall meet the following requirements:

~~Or. en~~

Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:

~~SHORT JUSTIFICATION~~

Amendment 131

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point b a (new)

~~The key elements are:~~

Text proposed by the Commission

~~Extending Responsibilities to All Breeders~~

Amendment

(ba) the identification number shall where possible include the lineage of the animal;

~~Enhanced Registration and Verification Systems~~

Amendment 132

Secondly, the regulation emphasizes the need for robust and standardized registration systems that include verification mechanisms, particularly for online sales. Online platforms have become major channels for the illegal trade of cats and dogs, often facilitating the sale of animals from unverified sources in poor welfare conditions and also putting the health of consumers at risk. The stricter monitoring and enforcement, combined with mandatory identification and verification of sellers, will help prevent fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with EU standards and a harmonisation within the EU. In order to tackle illegal trade, it is equally important to enhance the registration and identification of dogs and cats. Without a comprehensive registration rule, illegal traders can remain anonymous, preventing authorities from identifying inconsistencies between the breeders´ status and the actual volume of companion animals they are responsible for. Stricter registration requirements allow a clear picture of the animals associated with a single person, or to verify whether they belong to those moving them across borders.

Proposal for a regulation

~~Ban on Selling Cats and Dogs in Pet Shops~~

Annex III – point 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

~~Evaluating the Addition of a EU-wide list of Companion Animals~~

Amendment

1a. Number of establishments registered per year in accordance with Article 7;

~~Conclusion~~

Amendment 133

Proposal for a regulation

Annex III – point 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. Number of breeding and selling establishments whose approval has been suspended or withdrawn per year.

ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR FOR THE OPINION HAS RECEIVED INPUT

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title

Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

References

COM(2023)0769 – C9-0443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD)

Committee(s) responsible

AGRI

Opinion by

Date announced in plenary

ENVI

25.1.2024

Rapporteur for the opinion

Date appointed

Manuela Ripa

5.12.2024

Discussed in committee

28.1.2025

Date adopted

8.4.2025

Result of final vote

–:

Members present for the final vote

Grégory Allione, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Mathilde Androuët, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Lynn Boylan, Delara Burkhardt, Pascal Canfin, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Ivan David, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Viktória Ferenc, Emma Fourreau, Emmanouil Fragkos, Heléne Fritzon, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Roman Haider, Martin Hojsík, Pär Holmgren, Romana Jerković, Marc Jongen, Radan Kanev, Ondřej Knotek, Stefan Köhler, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, Javi López, César Luena, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Tilly Metz, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Ozdoba, Jutta Paulus, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Nicola Procaccini, Carola Rackete, Massimiliano Salini, Silvia Sardone, Majdouline Sbai, Lena Schilling, Christine Schneider, Günther Sidl, Susana Solís Pérez, Marta Temido, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Filip Turek, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Alexandr Vondra, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik, Tiemo Wölken, Anna Zalewska

Substitutes present for the final vote

Mireia Borrás Pabón, Biljana Borzan, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Valérie Deloge, Nikolas Farantouris, Sigrid Friis, Giorgos Georgiou, Jens Gieseke, Paolo Inselvini, Letizia Moratti, Valentina Palmisano, Manuela Ripa, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Anders Vistisen

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Liudas Mažylis, Verena Mertens

FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Key to symbols:

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

References

COM(2023)0769 – C9-0443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD)

Date submitted to Parliament

7.12.2023

Committee(s) responsible

AGRI

Committees asked for opinions

Date announced in plenary

ENVI

25.1.2024

Rapporteurs

Date appointed

Veronika Vrecionová

24.7.2024

Date adopted

3.6.2025

Result of final vote

–:

Members present for the final vote

Stefano Bonaccini, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Daniel Buda, Asger Christensen, Barry Cowen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ivan David, Valérie Deloge, Salvatore De Meo, Csaba Dömötör, Sebastian Everding, Luke Ming Flanagan, Maria Grapini, Martin Häusling, Krzysztof Hetman, Céline Imart, Stefan Köhler, Tomáš Kubín, Camilla Laureti, Norbert Lins, Cristina Maestre, Dario Nardella, Gilles Pennelle, André Rodrigues, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Christine Singer, Anna Strolenberg, Pekka Toveri, Veronika Vrecionová, Thomas Waitz, Maria Walsh

Substitutes present for the final vote

Wouter Beke, Alexander Bernhuber, Benoit Cassart, Tilly Metz, Elena Sancho Murillo, Marta Wcisło, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Fulvio Martusciello, Kristoffer Storm, Georgiana Teodorescu, Aurelijus Veryga

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Title

Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

References

COM(2023)0769 – C9-0443/2023 – 2023/0447(COD)

Date submitted to Parliament

7.12.2023

Committee(s) responsible

AGRI

Committees asked for opinions

Date announced in plenary

ENVI

25.1.2024

Rapporteurs

Date appointed

Veronika Vrecionová

24.7.2024

Date adopted

3.6.2025

Result of final vote

–:

Members present for the final vote

Substitutes present for the final vote

Wouter Beke, Alexander Bernhuber, Benoit Cassart, Tilly Metz, Elena Sancho Murillo, Marta Wcisło, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Fulvio Martusciello, Kristoffer Storm, Georgiana Teodorescu, Aurelijus Veryga

Date tabled

10.6.2025

INAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Key to symbols: