Research reveals the need for better regulation to protect Europe’s dogs and cats

Yesterday (24th March), the EU Dog & Cat Alliance launched a National Legislation Report which was commissioned to provide important information on the current legislation in all 28 of the EU’s Member States.

The EU Dog & Cat Alliance, which is made up of 45 members from 14 member states, held their first meeting in Brussels yesterday to launch and discuss the research which provides much needed evidence as to why EU legislation on the breeding and trade of dogs and cats is needed.

Following the publication of the report, the Alliance is calling for more robust EU-wide legislation including compulsory identification and registration of dogs and cats on a database which is linked to an EU database, compulsory licensing of dog and cat breeders, a ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops and controls on the internet trade of dogs and cats.

Laura Vallance, Chair of the EU Dog & Cat Alliance comments,

“This ground-breaking report is the first of its kind and a vital lobbying tool in improving and regulating the welfare of dogs and cats through the EU. I was delighted by the enthusiasm and productivity demonstrated at the first meeting and the members will be working together to consult politicians across the EU on a number of issues over the coming months, including the illegal importation of animals which is a large concern for many of the member states.”

“The report has been shared with all 751 Members of the European Parliament, all 28 national governments and the European Commission. We will be meeting with MEPs and hosting events at the European Parliament to encourage member states to collectively legislate for more uniform dog and cat welfare.”

“It’s clear that there is a wide variation in national legislation on dog and cat breeding and trade across EU countries and action is needed to ensure this improves.”

The full report and further information can be found on the Alliance website here: http://www.dogandcatwelfare.eu/national-legislation/