20/06/2025
👍SEHR GUT👍
EU Parliament Votes for Minimum Standards on Dog & Cat Welfare!
FECAVA warmly welcomes the European Parliament’s vote in favour of establishing the first-ever EU-wide standards for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
A major milestone in protecting companion animals across Europe. 🐶🐱
🗳️ With 457 votes in favour, MEPs endorsed:
🐾 Mandatory Identification & Registration
All dogs and cats will need to be microchipped and registered by a veterinarian — helping to reduce illegal trade, increase traceability, and reunite lost pets with their families.
🏠 Stronger Welfare Standards for Breeders
Breeders with two or more litters must now comply with minimum EU welfare standards, addressing long-standing gaps in enforcement.
🚫 Ban on Sale of Cats & Dogs in Pet Shops
This critical measure helps end poor welfare conditions and prevents unregulated, irresponsible sales.
🧑⚕️ Greater Veterinary Oversight
Official veterinarians will carry out unannounced welfare checks, strengthening safeguards for animal health and wellbeing.
❌ No Full Ban Yet on Preventive Mutilations
While we regret that routine mutilations such as tail docking were not fully banned, only medically justified interventions by veterinarians remain permitted.
👏 Thank you to all veterinarians, animal welfare organisations, and MEPs who supported this initiative.
FECAVA, together with FVE, continues to advocate for the health and welfare of companion animals throughout Europe.
🔜 Next step: Trialogue negotiations with the Council and Commission to finalise the law.