On Tuesday in Strasbourg, the European Parliament definitively approved the introduction of a law requiring breeders and sellers to register. Furthermore, microchipping will become mandatory in all member states starting in 2030.
Fresh air and crossbreeding
The dark sheds will also come to an end. For example, rules will be introduced to ensure puppies have access to fresh air. After eight weeks, dogs must be walked for at least one hour a day. Female dogs will be entitled to maternity rest after giving birth. Furthermore, there will be a ban on the crossbreeding of dogs and cats with, for example, grandparents and their offspring. In addition, choke chains and choke collars without built-in safety mechanisms will be banned from the EU.
For breeders with more than five litters per year, the rules will become even stricter. They must have a veterinarian visit regularly to check on living conditions, among other things.
Anyone wishing to sell a cute four-legged friend via the internet will soon be required, just like with cigarettes and political advertisements, to display the message that potential owners must treat pets well.
Level playing field
Just as in the Netherlands, there will soon be a ban throughout the EU on cropping and breeding for exaggerated physical characteristics. Mutilating dogs and cats for beauty contests or shows will also no longer be permitted.
EU member states are expected to vote definitively in favour of the law soon. According to the European Commission, there are over seventy million dogs and over eighty million cats in the European Union. The trade in these pets is worth approximately 1.3 billion euros annually. Animal regulations currently differ from Member State to Member State. According to Brussels, the new EU rules ensure a level playing field for traders.
This will of course, have also an effect on all the current breeders of the Pyrenean Mastiff in Europe.
What it will mean for import of puppies or kittens from outside the EU is not clear as yet.
Source : De Telegraaf
