Today, ECR MEP Veronika Vrecionová, Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee and Parliament’s rapporteur, has secured a political agreement with the Council on the EU’s first harmonised rules for the breeding, selling, import and identification of dogs and cats.

For the first time, the EU is introducing a unified framework aimed at protecting animals, combating illegal trade and ensuring that citizens know the true origin of their pets. The agreement aims to strengthen animal welfare while keeping the focus on illegal traders, irresponsible operators and abusive commercial practices, not on ordinary pet owners.

The ECR Chair of the Agriculture Committee also ensured that traditional farm practices are respected, so farmers who live in symbiosis with free-roaming barn cats that help keep pests under control, and who do not trade these animals, remain outside the scope of the Regulation.

Ms Vrecionová said:

“Today’s deal brings order to a sector where abuses, fraud and irresponsible breeding have been tolerated for far too long. We finally have EU-wide rules that protect animals and target those who profit from cruelty.”

“A dog or a cat is not a toy. This agreement strengthens protection while avoiding unnecessary burdens on responsible pet owners and small breeders.”

The agreement will now be submitted to Parliament and Council for final approval