EU Regulations: Microchip Identification for Dogs and Cats Approved
The European Parliament has adopted the first EU-wide regulations on the protection of dogs and cats.
The regulation mandates microchip identification and national registration, prohibits risky breeding practices, and closes regulatory loopholes regarding imports from third countries. The rules apply to breeders, sellers, animal shelters, pet owners, and competent authorities.
What was decided
With 558 votes in favor, 35 against, and 52 abstentions, the Parliament approved the law, which sets standards for the breeding, keeping, traceability, importation, and handling of dogs and cats in the EU. The Council and Parliament had agreed on a joint text.
Identification and Registration
All dogs and cats kept in the EU must be identified with a microchip and registered in a national database. This also applies to privately owned animals.
Sellers, breeders, and animal shelters will have a four-year transition period.
For pet owners, the registration requirement will become mandatory later: after ten years for dogs and after 15 years for cats.
For imports: Animals imported from non-EU countries for sale must be microchipped and registered before entry. Pet owners entering the EU must pre-register their microchipped animal in a database at least five working days before entry, unless the animal is already listed in a database of another EU country.
RFID GLASS TAG
The RFID Glass Tag provides a durable, discreet solution for embedded asset identification in demanding environments.
Breeding and Keeping Prohibitions
Prohibition on breeding between parents and offspring, between grandparents and grandchildren, and between siblings and half-siblings.
Prohibition on breeding aimed at producing exaggerated physical characteristics that may lead to health risks.
Prohibition on the mutilation of dogs and cats for exhibition or competition purposes.
Prohibition on tethering to objects, unless medically necessary.
Prohibition on the use of prong or choke collars without integrated safety devices.
Imports from Non-EU Countries
The regulation closes loopholes that allowed animals to be imported into the EU as non-commercial pets and subsequently sold. The rules apply to both commercial imports and non-commercial transport.
Quote
The rapporteur and Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Veronika Vrecionová (ECR, CZ), said: "Today we have taken an important step toward regulating the trade in dogs and cats in the EU. Our message is clear: a pet is a family member, not an object or a toy. We have finally established stricter rules on breeding and traceability that will help us take action against those who view animals as a means of making a quick profit. At the same time, we are creating a level playing field for responsible breeders across the EU."
Next steps
Before the new regulations can enter into force, they must still be adopted by the Council.
Relevance for system integrators, solution providers, and users
National databases and mandatory microchip identification create market demand for IT solutions for registration, data integration, and interfaces with national registries.
Pre-registration deadlines for entry and reporting requirements for sellers and breeders will necessitate process adjustments and, where applicable, new services in the areas of compliance and transport logistics.
For animal shelters, breeders, and online sellers, compliance with reporting and identification requirements will necessitate operational changes.
Background and Figures
About 44% of EU citizens own a pet; 74% believe that pets should be better protected.
The trade in dogs and cats has an annual volume of approximately 1.3 billion euros. According to the Commission, around 60% of owners purchase their pets online.
The Commission presented the proposals on December 7, 2023.