EU enforces harder rules against illegal dog and cat trade!

EU enforces harder rules against illegal dog and cat trade!

Österreich - The European Union has submitted a significant proposal to combat illegal trade in dogs and cats. This includes comprehensive legislation that provides for a mandatory labeling and registration of these pets. According to the information from Kleine Zeitung should be used to be drastically contained. The market value for dogs in the EU amounts to an impressive 4.6 billion euros annually, of which at least 54 million euros in Austria alone are lost to the illegal animal trade scene.

A terrifying aspect is that 79 percent of the dogs requested do not come from verifiable or legal sources in Europe. This high number illustrates urgency to regulate these grievances. Confusing and inconsistent legal framework in the Member States means that illegal dealer networks thrive.

procedure to improve animal welfare

The draft law provides numerous measures with which living conditions for dogs and cats are to be improved in European breeding facilities. One of the key points is the obligation to have dogs and cats identified by a veterinarian within the first three months of life, whereby registration must be made in a certified pet register, such as Findefix. The German animal protection association has welcomed this first draft law and evaluates it as a progress in the fight against illegal pet trade.

A mandatory indication of microchip numbers for online offers as well as minimum information on art, breed, gender, date of birth and place of birth are further measures that are planned. Buyers should also take more responsibility for the health and well -being of their new pets.

challenges and criticism

Despite these progress, there are also critical voices. The ÖVP MEP Alexander Bernhuber expressed relief about the compromise that avoids detailed regulations, while Thomas Waitz, agricultural spokesman for the Greens, calls for and exceptions in the draft law and exceptions concerns, including those for cats at farms.

The former resolution of the European Parliament to combat illegal pet trading, which was already required in February 2020, included measures such as an EU action plan and sharper sanctions. The European parliament still has a uniform system for registration and more controls for falsification of pet cards.

With the regulations that have now been discussed, the EU hopes to significantly improve living conditions for pets and at the same time initiate measures against illegal trade. The vote in the EU Parliament's agricultural committee is still pending before a final legal text of Parliament, Council of Member States and the EU Commission can be agreed.