Stop illegal trade in cats and dogs, says MEP committee

To protect animal welfare, consumers and public health, the Environment and Public Health Committee within the EU Parliament has called for EU Action Plan to address illegal trade in companion animals.

The Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee yesterday adopted a resolution demanding action against the illegal trade in pets to protect animal welfare, consumers and public health.

The text calls for a series of measures to address illegal trafficking of companion animals.

The measures called for include an EU Action Plan clearly setting out responsibilities to address the illegal trade in companion animals.

They also called for a Commission proposal to set up a mandatory EU-wide system to identify and register cats and dogs; an EU definition of largescale commercial breeding facilities known as puppy mills; improved law enforcement and tougher sanctions for those involved (veterinarians, national public services, economic operators); better cooperation, communication and training for customs and veterinary authorities; and further encouragement for people to adopt, rather than purchase, companion animals.

Next steps

The resolution was adopted with 66 votes to 0 and three abstentions. It will now be put to a vote at the plenary in Strasbourg. It is tentatively scheduled for the February session.

The European Parliament explains that “each year, many companion animals are illegally traded in the EU by abusing the EU’s pet movement legislation, which is intended for non-commercial movement of pet animals. Aside from the negative implications on public health, animal welfare and consumer protection, it has also become a source of income for organised international crime. It affects the smooth functioning of the EU internal market through lost taxes and by creating unfair competition, particularly with the increase in online sales.”