Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

The German Hunting Association (DJV) welcomes the desire to enforce sufficient animal welfare standards throughout Europe. However, we have serious doubts as to the legal basis for the draft regulations (see 1.) and the prohibition of docking (2.). In addition, we would like to raise some further points, which we would like to take into account (3.). 1.

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NOAH - for animal rights is Norway's largest NGO for animals, with over 19 000 members. We appreciate to opportunity to give feedback to the regulation and welcome the initative to improve the welfare of cats and dogs in EU and their traceability. See attached document for further comments.

Feedback in relation to pet welfare & transport within Europe Regulation of the animal welfare sector within all of Europe is essential, including minimum standards along the lines of ADCH (Association of Dogs & Cats Homes, www.adch.org.uk) Compulsory microchipping of cats (and small pet mammals) In breeding establishments a staff:animal ratio of 1:10 is appropriate, in order to include enrichment & socialising for…

The NKK welcomes the proposal of a mandatory and uniform identification of cats and dogs in the common market. We have for many decades already, required indentification for all dogs that are registered in the NKK, and believe its essential to reduce problems regarding stray dogs. It also creates a higher threshold for treating animals poorly as its easier to trace the dog back to a legally responsible individual.

All owners should have to buy a license which would be numbered before adopting or buying a dog All dogs need a chip (numbered) as do their litter .. all need to be registered to the breeder and then transferred large penalties and fines If not transferred would ensure the correct paperwork would be completed. Transfer and sale should all be traceable.

Please find attached the feedback on the “Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of cats and dogs and their traceability” from the animal welfare organisation TASSO e.V., the largest free pet register in Germany. Tasso e.V.

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FACE, the European Federation for Hunting and Conservation, representing 7 million hunters in Europe, wishes to submit an additional comment to its first submission, specifically on tail docking, listed in art. 15 of the proposal. Tail docking is important for the welfare of many hunting dogs as it prevents tail injuries.

The EU Dog & Cat Alliance welcomes the Commissions proposed regulation (COM(2023)770) on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. The legislation would mark an important step forward for standards in dog and cat welfare. However, we would like to see the regulations go further to effect real change for dogs and cats and we have outlined our recommendations in the attached file.

EUROPETNET and its members welcome the regulation proposal on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. For years now, EUROPETNET has been advocating for mandatory identification and registration of domestic carnivores by certified professionals into interoperable databases recognized by the Member States (or regions pending of the internal organization of each country).

Neutering in both male and female dogs and cats has been proposed as a good approach for pets' health. However, my more than 20 years of experience in this area have made it crystal clear that the current system that is being proposed in Spain can be deleterious for our pets. Neutering before 1st heat has been proposed based on a scientific report published in 1969. One can say that it's obsolete.

There is a problem about Article 3 Definitions n.9 bitch broodmare: in Italy there are a lot of hunters that own pack of dogs both males and females used for different kind of hunting, as wild boar, fox, hare and also for pest control. So in many cases there are more than 3 bitches in the pack of dogs of an owner that is not a breeder.

The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) welcome the EU proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. For many years, FVE has been advocating for European legislation to protect the welfare of dogs and cats including mandatory identification and registration.

Please consider the following proposed changes to items cited: Page 13 Regulatory fitness and simplification The proposal excludes small breeders of dogs and cats and small pet shops and shelters from the requirements applicable to establishments as such rules would be disproportionate.

Pros and Cons of Surgical Castration of Dogs: a behavioural medicine perspective The decision to surgically castrate dogs is often motivated by the intention to manage or mitigate certain behaviors that can be problematic or undesirable. Surgical castration has been recognized for its benefits in reducing aggression, roaming, and marking behaviors in male dogs.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, please find attached the feedback on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability of the K & R network, which has been working for years to identify and register dogs and cats.

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As edogs.de, Germany’s safe dog market, we attach the highest importance to safe and transparent animal trade. In the light of the current proposals, we would like to stress that security is more important than ever. Pets are an integral part of our lives and we firmly believe that they deserve the best possible protection. We therefore welcome any initiative aimed at ensuring their safety and well-being.

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Thank you for the opportunity to give feedback to the Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. First of all; two some very positive suggestions, that the Norwegian Society for Protection of Animals support: - the suggested compulsory ID-registration for both cats and dogs.

Thank you for drafting a document that will improve the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. However, the whole projwect is based on the understanding of dogs and the requirements for cats are formulated without it being a small dog. The cat belongs to the family of Felidae and its physiological needs are very different from dogs (Canidae). Please separate and adjust the requirements for cats.

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The Royal Spanish Hunting Federation is seriously committed to the fight against illegal trade in dogs, the animal welfare of which is an important topic for Spanish hunters. The proposal of this entity is therefore to amend the proposal for a Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats with the arguments set out in this document, given that this new body of legislation could affect the interests of…

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As an association of European animal welfare organisations, we would also like to comment on this issue from VETO. As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to the welfare of animal shelter and stray animals. More than 350 animal welfare associations have been connected to us across Europe, many of them in Spain have been supporting us for years, where dogs are deliberately exploited for people’s profits.

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AnimalhealthEurope welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the public consultations on the Welfare and traceability of dogs and cats and on Animal welfare protection of animals during transport. AnimalhealthEurope is the association representing manufacturers of animal medicines, vaccines and suppliers of other animal health products in Europe.

From HAIEKIN we want to express our satisfaction with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability, as we consider it extremely important that there is a common framework in the EU, setting minimum welfare principles for cats and dogs for all Member States.

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The aims and objectives of our Association are the defence and protection of animals, in general, against acts of cruelty, abandonment and trafficking. We consider it essential to establish minimum welfare principles for these animals in all Member States. Lau KATU Elkartea supports the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability.

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Dear Commission, please find enclosed the reply of the Dutch Association for the Protection of Animals (Animal Welfare) to the EC legislative proposal on dogs and cats and their traceability. The Welfare and Conservation of Animals warmly welcomes the emergence of legislation in this area.

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As a One Health company, MSD Animal Health is committed to animal welfare and efficient farming. In addition to our vaccines and medicines portfolio, we are the leading the agritech company in the market, specialised in the developments of tools and technologies that allow for the electronic identification, monitoring and traceability of animals (livestock, fish, pets).

FOUR PAWS is the global animal welfare organization for animals under direct human influence, which reveals suffering, rescues animals in need and protects them. We much welcome this Proposal for a Regulation and appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback to it. Please find attached our input, which we hope will prove useful in refining the Proposal, and in any further deliberations.

General comments It's positive that dogs and cats will be covered by an animal welfare framework. The proposal that aims at improving and protecting the welfare of dogs and cats through regulations concerning traceability, care, breeding, and importation is generally positive and will be able to make a difference for dogs and cats both within and outside the union.

Surgical sterilisation is now used as the main population control system. Owners are often offered even when behavioural disorders occur. The removal of healthy gonads to living animals, as well as any other part of the body, should not be allowed unless justified and prescribed by a veterinarian, based on informed consent following a discussion on risks/benefits involving all stakeholders and considering all…

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The Dutch Kennel Club, "Raad van Beheer," wholeheartedly endorses EU guidelines for dog and cat welfare, emphasizing the importance of consistent regulations across member states. The proposal addresses longstanding issues faced by breeders throughout Europe, tackling unfair competition and addressing the impact on the health, welfare, and behavior of imported dogs.

Virbac is a leading provider of products and services ensuring the health and well-being of animals, including pets. Virbacs commitment is to the welfare and health of animals. We therefore support the recently published Proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. We take this opportunity to provide constructive comments which will further enhance animal welfare.

The Fédération nationale des huneurs (Fédération nationale des huneurs – FNC) of France, which represents 1 million practising hunters and 4 million licence holders, wishes to draw the European Commission’s attention to the consequences of the various provisions laid down in the draft Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and on their traceability.

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The Brigitte Bardot Foundation (FBB) is pleased to send you, as an attachment via this public consultation, its comments and suggestions for amendments to the proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability.

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The introduction of an obligation to mark dogs and cats in Poland and the creation of a state database of owners of dogs and cats is essential in order to begin the process of combating the growing problem of animal homelessness in a humane manner and while preserving the subjectivity of these essences.

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As a European specialist and diploma in the breeding of small animals by ECAR, I would like to point out the importance of not introducing the obligation of surgical castration (permanent removal of ovaries or testes) in the canine species in particular. That surgery must be elective.

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World Dog Alliance has reason to believe that illegal breeders originating from third countries such as Serbia, Belarus, Russia, and Turkey are involved in breeding, not only for human companionship, but also to produce products derived from cats and dogs, such as fur.

Chapter 1 – Introducing a provision empowering the European Commission to adopt implementing acts to establish a list of animal species that may be kept as pets, known as a positive list. — Introduce a definition of “pet animals”. — Introduces a ban on the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops. This should be added to Chapter 1 (animals are then mentioned in Chapter 2, Article 4, 7 and 12).

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I am in favour of taking the initiative to regulate dogs and cats. In particular, I welcome the introduction of compulsory labelling and registration of pet animals. As a manager of a homeless animal shelter, I see a great need to regulate this issue. The country bears the huge costs of living in animal shelters, which are the result of a lack of accountability.

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COMMENTS FROM THE NORWEGIAN FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY ON THE PROPOSAL FOR NEW RULES ON THE WELFARE OF DOGS AND CATS AND THEIR TRACEABILITY Below is a point summary of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's input. In the attachment you will find an in-depth explanation for each of these points. Key points: The proposal should apply to all dogs and cats, regardless of location or number.

Ladies and gentlemen, in the case of animal welfare laws in Europe, a common animal welfare law must be drawn up after all the years. Throughout Europe, dogs and cats living on the streets are brutally slaughtered. Housing in the animal shelters is similar to death camps. It is very bad in Eastern Europe and the EU is aware of it.

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Derogations from the animal welfare legislation of hunting dogs, for example, lead to uncontrolled breeding, intolerable housing conditions and, after the hunting season, thousands of hunting dogs placed on the streets for themselves. This gigantic number of hunting dogs, in particular Galgos, cannot be managed by the state institutions.

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The proposal for a regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability will in large part apply to the same animals and animal holders as the Animal Health Law Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (AHL). There should be a cohesion between the welfare rules and the animal health rules.

Overall appreciation of the proposals The Koninklijke Hondenbescherming welcomes the fact that the European Commission’s proposal aims to establish uniform EU rules on the welfare of dogs and cats reared or kept in breeding establishments, in pet shops and in shelters. And that, with these proposals, the European Commission sends a strong signal to Member States to take animal welfare seriously.

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I am a volunteer in the Frankfurt animal welfare system. We secure escaped dogs that are not properly labelled almost every day, this must become a keeper obligation and must also be checked/accepted. For the many stray cats, I can only recommend a castration obligation, the costs of which should be borne by the city/municipality, as animal shelters can no longer finance this.

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The European Federation for Hunting and Conservation (FACE), representing 7 million hunters in Europe, wishes to make the following observations with regard to the EC proposal for the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. Animal welfare is an important topic for Europes hunters.

Animal Protection Denmark (APD) responds to the European Commission's proposal on regulating the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats with a positive outlook, highlighting Denmark's already stringent standards. We stress the need for the proposal to cover all companion animals within the EU and advocate for transparency to combat illegal trade.

FEDIAF, the European Pet Food Association, is the collective voice of its members, comprising 15 national associations and 5 direct companies. The Association advocates for the interests of approximately 150 pet food companies across Europe, representing 95% of the industry. FEDIAF welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback to the EC proposal for new rules on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability.

Dear ladies and gentlemen, animal welfare and animal welfare are of great importance to your animal life and are among our highest values. On a daily basis, we are committed to making improvements and implementing other useful measures.

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Ascelcre is an association of professionals in the zoological cores of companion animals, of those who have worked with the animals since birth, accommodation, education or, if necessary, with the management of the abandonment. We claim our right to be directly related to being heard as an interested party and more directly involved with all the technical aspects of the subject of this regulation.

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In order to improve the conditions of animal transport, I am included in the Eucommussion as part of the electoral programme. I am also making protection abroad more open and strengthening the comprehensibility of reputable associations. The animals for slaughter are not being driven for so long! That they are transported under prescribed conditions and dignified death! The animals are slaughtered locally!

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Slaughterhouses should be public, equipped with cameras and publicly view images, so everyone develops animal welfare awareness! Route from intensive livestock farming. Dog tax is to be abolished in Germany! No more animal testing laboratories!

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Pierre Moens de Hase, CEO www.tipaw.com, Online Platform active in Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Tipaw is a classified ad site specialized in dogs, which allows advertising dogs from and currently limited to Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany.

We are an animal welfare organisation with more than 100 volunteers and work thousands of hours a year for animals in need and some of their people. In politics, we are hardly heard and worried no one takes seriously. We have been fighting for years for better animal welfare laws that would facilitate our work. Nowadays, the cat protection regulation is at the top of our agenda, as it affects us every day!

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The Federal Chamber of Veterinarians (BTK) welcomes in principle the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation on the protection of dogs and cats and their traceability. The sharp increase in demand for dogs and cats in recent years has led to a huge increase in trade in these animals.

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Areas for improvement of the current proposal: In order to avoid harmful appearance of pets, it is essential that they are specifically named and excluded from legal breeding. Otherwise, it is too vague for breeders, purchasers, traders and enforcers and therefore unenforceable or verifiable. A clear list would really help. This list may be added/supplemented at a later date.

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Arguments ON THE ARTICULATED OF THE PROPOSAL FOR A REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL ON THE BIENESTAR OF PERROS AND GATS AND THIS TRAZABILITY. Only the articles that have been amended or, where appropriate, those added, are referred to. As a general comment, this association sees the adoption of this Regulation as essential.

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Through this proposal for a regulation, the European Union is proposing for the first time uniform rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats reared, kept and disposed of within EU territory. There are currently no Community rules governing this matter, which address in a uniform manner in all the Member States the problem of abusive breeding, illegal trade and the maintenance of these animals in…

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The Danish Veterinary Association (DVA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the proposal for a regulation on the breeding, registration, and sale of dogs. We welcome the initiative, including the thorough preparatory work and the inclusion of the latest research, which we see as a crucial step towards increasing traceability and improving animal welfare for dogs and cats in the EU.

The proposed Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council on the Welfare of Dogs and Cats introduces minimum necessary measures on traceability of animals, breeding practices imported into the member countries of the European Union.

The European Pet Organization (EPO) would like to thank the European Commission for affording stakeholders the opportunity to provide feedback on the new rules covering the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats as presented this past December.

AnimaNaturalis has been working for the rights of all animals for 20 years. This proposal for a regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability has been very well received, introducing much-needed measures on the traceability of dogs and cats, breeding practices and imported animals.

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An absolute ban on the online sale of pet animals (cats, dogs, etc.), mandatory castration for cats, pet passport, registration, absolute ban on deliberately induced distress, injuries, quial breeding, criminal consequences of non-compliance with prison sentences.

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For more than four decades, Eurogroup for Animals has brought together animal advocates throughout Europe to significantly enhance the welfare and protection of animals. This proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability has been extremely well-received, introducing much-needed measures regarding the traceability of cats and dogs, breeding practices, and imported animals.

In chapter 4 I feel there is nothing to help owners who move into the European Union with an existing family pet. As a European veterinarian working outside the EU, a recurrent problem when helping pet owners who move to the EU bring their pets is the 5 day non commercial entry rule.

The feedback on Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability: Chapter II, Article 15, in relation to Chapter V, Article 21: we suggest drawing attention to the paragraphs forbidding the entry into the EU of dogs who have undergone procedures such as mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, etc.

The Commission’s presentation is largely good. However, the following points should be added: —There should be a clearer response to sick breeding through regulations and limits – The sale of dogs and cats in animal shops should be prohibited – stray dogs and cats must also be identified and registered.

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This answer comes from the Norwegian veterinary nursing association. We think that a regulation about welfare in dogs and cats are relevant to veterinary nurses as we are trained in welfare, behavior, infection prevention, how to recognize the sick animal (but not diagnose) and communication with the public and owners about health concerns for the animals.

Veterindustria (Asociación Empresarial Española de la Industria de Sanidad y Nutrición Animal – Asociación Empresarial Española de la Industria de Sanidad y Nutrición Animal). As an industry committed to safeguarding animal health, we always defend the welfare of the animal, as well as the responsible keeping of the animal so as to avoid suffering or abandonment.

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Please find attached an opinion of the German Legal Society for Animal Welfare Law, based in Berlin.

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On the European Commission’s draft Regulation “Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability”, please find enclosed the comments of PETA Deutschland e.V., requesting that it be taken into account.

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Please find enclosed the opinion of the German Animal Welfare Association on the European Commission’s draft Regulation Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability, with the request that it be taken into account.

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EUCED E.E.I.G. welcomes and fully supports the initiative of the Proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability at Member State level. Taking in consideration the relevance of such subject we are proud to attach a file that was written by our co-worker, Miss Diana Mocinho.

We would like to take into consideration the following comment on the proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. On page 4, in the paragraph: “Each year, high numbers of cats and dogs are allocated to shelters across the EU, either government or owned by non-profit organisations20.

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Dear mr., ms., due to article 21 (entry into the EU); registration within 48 hours into one of the Member States databases after arrival of dogs and cats is quite short. In Dutch legislation this is 2 weeks. And when the dog is shorter than 3 months in the Netherlands, registration is not necessary at all. (For now the Netherlands has this requirement only for dogs and not for cats.)