MEPs propose stricter rules on dog and cat welfare and traceability

MEPs want all dogs and cats kept in the EU to be individually identifiable with a microchip. They also demand that microchipped dogs and cats be registered in interoperable national databases. Microchip identification numbers, along with information about the corresponding national database, should be stored in a single index database managed by the Commission. Keeping or selling dogs and cats in pet shops must be prohibited, say MEPs. Dogs and cats from third countries To close potential loopholes that would allow dogs and cats to enter the EU as non-commercial pets only to be subsequently sold, MEPs want to extend the rules to cover not only imports for commercial purposes but also non-commercial movements of the animals. Dogs and cats imported from third countries for sale would have to be microchipped before their entry into the EU, and then registered in a national database. Pet owners entering the EU would be obliged to pre-register their microchipped animal on an online database, at least five working days before arrival. Breeding and welfare of dogs and cats Breeding between parents and offspring, grandparents and grandchildren, as well as between siblings and half-siblings, must be prohibited, stress MEPs. MEPs also want a ban on the breeding of dogs or cats that have excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on their welfare, as well as a prohibition on these animals – and mutilated dogs and cats – being used in shows,...