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

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

AGRI-PR-766982

Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development · Rapporteur: Veronika Vrecionová

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Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

The draft report amends the Commission proposal for a regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. It sets rules for breeding, keeping, placing on the market, and importing dogs and cats, including a ban on pet shops placing them on the market. It distinguishes obligations by establishment size, requires approval for larger breeding establishments, and mandates identification and registration in national databases. It also sets import conditions and data protection rules.

Committee position. The rapporteur proposes amendments to the Commission proposal, maintaining its main principles but adjusting scope, thresholds, and procedures, including a ban on pet shops and changes to breeding and import rules.

Key points

  1. Pet shops are prohibited from placing dogs and cats on the Union market.
  2. All establishments must follow general welfare principles; only those above certain thresholds face detailed obligations, with thresholds for breeding establishments and shelters.
  3. Breeding establishments producing more than five litters per year or keeping more than five bitches or queens need approval after on-site inspection.
  4. Breeding strategies must avoid detrimental genotypes, phenotypes, and excessive conformational traits; inbreeding and hybrid breeding are prohibited unless approved to preserve local breeds.
  5. Mutilations like ear cropping and tail docking are banned except for medical reasons; painful handling practices like prong collars are prohibited.
  6. Dogs and cats must be individually identified with a microchip and registered in a national database before being placed on the market.
  7. Imports for placing on the market must come from listed third countries and establishments, with health certificates attesting compliance.
  8. Non-commercial movements of dogs and cats into the Union must be pre-notified in a Union pet travellers' database.
  9. Data protection rules are set for personal data collected under the regulation, with retention periods and restrictions on use.

Who is affected

  • Operators of breeding establishments, selling establishments, shelters, and foster homes must comply with welfare and traceability rules.
  • Pet shops are banned from placing dogs and cats on the market.
  • Veterinarians are responsible for implanting microchips and performing certain procedures.
  • Online platforms must facilitate displaying warnings and verifying identification.
  • Importers and owners bringing dogs and cats into the Union face new identification and notification requirements.

Figures and deadlines

  • At most two litters per calendar year for small breeding establishments.
  • Up to 15 dogs or cats kept at any given time for shelters with lighter obligations.
  • More than five litters per year or more than five bitches or queens triggers approval requirement.
  • Identification within 3 months after birth, or within 30 days after arrival for other establishments.
  • Registration within two working days after identification.
  • Pre-notification at least five working days before crossing the Union border for non-commercial movements.
  • Application from 2 years after entry into force, with various provisions applying from 4 to 8 years.

Legal basis: Articles 114 and 43(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union