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

PA_Legam

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, Climate and Food Safety submits the following to the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, as the committee 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. 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) 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 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.

(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)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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;

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b) 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, 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;

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 c (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

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.

Amendment 6

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.

(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, protection of the environment and human health and safety.

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. 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 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

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 of or persons responsible for dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ 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.

Amendment 10

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.

(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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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 and the keeping of animals in breeding establishments, pet shops or animal shelters should be subject to detailed rules.

(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, and the keeping of animals in breeding establishments, selling establishments, animal 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.

Amendment 12

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 for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt from certain obligations 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.

(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, 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.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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.

Amendment 14

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 carry out different types of activities 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 or collection. The protection of these animals is often suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments.

Amendment 15

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

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 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 housing, feeding and watering, behavioural needs and painful practices, and unannounced advisory visits by a veterinarian linked with control and reporting requirements.

Amendment 20

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 could have an impact on the market for dogs and cats, foster homes should be covered by this Regulation.

Amendment 21

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

(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.

(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 23

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.

(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 regular animal welfare visit from a veterinarian.

(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) 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 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.

(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 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 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

(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, 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. The Commission should establish an index database in order to facilitate the interoperability between national databases.

Amendment 32

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 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 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, 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.

(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.

(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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

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

Amendment 38

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

Amendment 39

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 of dogs and cats as well as to their entry into the Union.

Amendment 40

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 human or veterinary medicinal products.

Amendment 41

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

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 an animal is detained, handled, held, housed or cared for in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator or a natural person other than an operator;

Amendment 43

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, 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;

Amendment 44

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

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 46

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

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

Amendment 49

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, including households, where dogs or cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market;

Amendment 50

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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, other than a pet shop or shelter, and where dogs and cats are gathered from more than one establishment;

Amendment 51

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, where unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats are kept for the purpose of placing on the market;

Amendment 52

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 or cats;

Amendment 53

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

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 animals on the market 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;

Amendment 55

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, 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;

Amendment 56

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 or cats are kept, whether temporarily or permanently;

Amendment 57

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 or part-time workers;

Amendment 58

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 59

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;

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;

Amendment 60

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;

deleted

Amendment 61

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 62

Proposal for a regulation

Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

– shelters keeping at any given time ten 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.

Amendment 63

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 general principles with respect to dogs or cats bred or kept in their establishment:

Amendment 64

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

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, 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.

Amendment 66

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 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) and according to their individual needs related to their health and age.

Amendment 67

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. Operators and caretakers shall not mistreat or abandon the animals.

Amendment 68

Proposal for a regulation

Article 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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.

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

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

Amendment 70

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 the competent authorities of their activity, providing at least the following information:

Amendment 71

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point a

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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;

Amendment 72

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) the type of establishment: breeding establishment, pet shop or shelter;

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

Amendment 73

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

Amendment 74

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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.

Amendment 75

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

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.

Amendment 76

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. 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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Animal welfare visits

Animal health and welfare visits

Amendment 78

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 by ... [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 animal welfare, advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address risks for animal 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;

Amendment 79

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) 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

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) where animals are kept in 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;

Amendment 82

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.

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.

Amendment 83

Proposal for a regulation

Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

Amendment 84

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

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 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:

Amendment 86

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

Amendment 87

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(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;

Amendment 88

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 89

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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 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 establishment from the competent authority before placing on the market dogs and cats.

Amendment 91

Proposal for a regulation

Article 16 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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 an establishment, provided that, prior inspection has confirmed that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation.

Amendment 92

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

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. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], all dogs and cats kept either in establishments or placed on the 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.

Amendment 94

Proposal for a regulation

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

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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.

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 95

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 three months after their birth and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

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.

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.

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

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. 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 97

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:

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, whether a natural or legal person:

Amendment 98

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 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,

Amendment 99

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 animals provided through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

Amendment 100

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.

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, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner and without imposing an administrative burden on them, of the identification and registration of the dog or cat. This information shall be verified through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6. The sale shall be conditional upon a positive result from the automated check performed by the system referred to in paragraph 6.

Amendment 101

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. 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. The system shall meet the following criteria:

Amendment 102

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:

(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

(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 105

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 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

(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 108

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 109

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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:

(a) operant conditioning and positive reinforcement;

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

(c) stress management for both dogs and handlers.

Amendment 110

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 111

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 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 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. 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)

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 116

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

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. 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:

Amendment 118

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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.

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 for travel or placing on the market shall be identified before their entry by a veterinarian with a microchip compliant with Annex II and registered in a database of their country of origin.

_________________

_________________

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.

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 119

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

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 121

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 EFSA, and environmental and health impacts, as regards:

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

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 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.

Amendment 124

Proposal for a regulation

Article 26 – title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Reporting and evaluation

Reporting, evaluation and review

Amendment 125

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.

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.

Amendment 126

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

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

(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 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 128

Proposal for a regulation

Article 27 – paragraph 1 b (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.

Amendment 129

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

Amendment 130

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 131

Proposal for a regulation

Annex II – point b a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

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

Amendment 132

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 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

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for opinion declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft opinion:

Entity and/or person

1 Four Paws

2 Eurogroup for Animals

3 Erna-Graff-Stiftung

4 Deutscher Tierschutzbund

5 European Pet Organisations

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

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

+:

–:

0:

67

9

8

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

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