A vote in the European Parliament today on draft legislation "aims to protect and enhance the welfare of cats and dogs across Europe", according to ECR MEP, Agriculture and Rural Development committee chair and rapporteur Veronika Vrecionová.

The European Parliament has adopted a report on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats that lays the groundwork for common minimum rules across the EU, targeting a sector valued at over €1.3 billion.

However, the text agreed by Parliament introduces obligations also on regular pet owners, which was never the Commission’s intention. Instead, the proposal sought to combat illegal breeding without affecting individual owners.

Ms Vrecionová said:

“Throughout the negotiations on Parliament’s view of the Commission’s proposal the collaboration among political groups was characterised by mutual respect and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of animals.

“I look forward to continuing the dialogue with the Commission and the Council in the next stages.

“With this proposal, we would create the first ever minimum rules, and giving member states the possibility to go beyond these standards.

“It’s a clear move against illegal breeding and the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU.”

Under the new framework, obligations will apply not only to those placing dogs and cats on the market particularly in a professional capacity, namely breeders, shelters, sellers or those offering animals online but also, to some extent, to ordinary citizens.

Not only animals kept by breeders, shelters, or placed on the market—especially via online platforms—will be subject to mandatory microchipping but all dogs and cats as well.

Ms Vrecionová added:

“While further dialogue will be needed to fine-tune some details, I believe we are united in our aim to protect the welfare of dogs and cats.

“This shared commitment is a strong starting point for productive talks with the Commission and Council.”

The EU proposal sets only minimum harmonised standards and does not replace national rules. Member States will remain free to maintain or introduce stricter measures as they see fit. The aim is not to suggest that anything not regulated at EU level is automatically allowed, but rather to provide a common baseline while respecting national competences.

Importantly, the ECR also secured a well-targeted review clause, ensuring that the Commission will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the regulation and its impact on the market after several years of application. This safeguard will help assess whether the rules remain fit for purpose and allow for evidence-based adjustments if needed.

The European Parliament also adopted a mandate to enter into negotiations with the Council, allowing inter-institutional discussions to begin as early as mid-July.