Welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability

Amendments tabled for the plenary sitting on this text, in their own numbering series. This is a different set from the committee amendments tracked elsewhere on AmendEU, and is not counted in any of the site’s amendment totals.

1. Amendment 1Proposal for a regulation · Recital 1
   Current text

   (1) Live animals, including cats and dogs are covered by Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and form part of the common agricultural policy of the Union. There is a market for these animals in the Union, including substantial cross-border trade. Many Member States are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. There is a wide range of evidence of sub-optimal functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats in the Union as well as of illegal trade in these animals within the Union and at import into the Union. Therefore, it is necessary to establish minimum requirements for the welfare of dogs and cats bred and kept in establishme…

   Amendment

   (1) Live animals, including cats and dogs are covered by Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, form part of the common agricultural policy of the Union and their welfare should be protected. There is a market for these animals in the Union, including substantial cross-border trade. Many Member States are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. There is a wide range of evidence of sub-optimal functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats in the Union as well as of illegal trade in these animals within the Union and at import into the Union. Therefore, considering the findings on animals, which recognise their capacity for emot…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
   official amendment document ↗
2. Amendment 2Proposal for a regulation · Recital 2
   Current text

   (2) The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have very often led to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances detrimental to their welfare. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably between Member States. As a consequence, competition is distorted, especially for high standards breeders and keepers, which are unable to monet…

   Amendment

   (2) Dogs and cats, with its own unique biological and behavioural needs, are traded and kept as pets in the Union. The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have sometimes led to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances and to serious consequences detrimental to their welfare. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably betwee…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
   official amendment document ↗
3. Amendment 3Proposal for a regulation · Recital 3
   Current text

   (3) Also, consumers are insufficiently protected as they are often confronted, when acquiring a dog or a cat, with the negative consequences of the poor welfare conditions in which the animals have been bred and kept in the establishments, such as health problems, behavioural problems or genetic defects of the dog or cat purchased or acquired.

   Amendment

   (3) Also, consumers are insufficiently protected as they are often confronted, when acquiring a dog or a cat, with the negative consequences of the poor welfare conditions in which the animals have been bred and kept in the establishments, such as health problems, behavioural problems or genetic defects of the dog or cat purchased or acquired. To support informed consumer choices and promote compliance with Union rules, it is essential to inform the public and raise awareness of the difference between responsible and non-compliant or unlawful breeding practices.

   official amendment document ↗
4. Amendment 4Proposal for a regulation · Recital 4 a (new)
   Amendment

   (4a) Cooperation between Member States should be enhanced in order to identify illegal breeding establishments, dismantle associated networks, and ensure effective enforcement of applicable rules. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, information exchange and coordinated inspections is essential to address the transnational nature of certain illegal activities and to protect animal welfare and consumer interests across the Union.

   official amendment document ↗
5. Amendment 5Proposal for a regulation · Recital 4 b (new)
   Amendment

   (4b) The number of companion animals in the Union has increased significantly over recent years, reflecting the strong attachment of Union citizens to the welfare of dogs and cats. In light of developments in animal welfare science, the Union and its Member States should be encouraged to promote a legal approach that reflects not only the status of animals as property, but also the ethical responsibility of humans towards their welfare and protection.

   official amendment document ↗
6. Amendment 6Proposal for a regulation · Recital 6
   Current text

   (6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the supplying of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats by a system that identifies and registers dogs and cats before their first supplying in the Union as well as each…

   Amendment

   (6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter and to consumers’ enthusiasm for these animals, facilitated by the development of online purchasing. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the placing on the market of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats b…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
   official amendment document ↗
7. Amendment 7Proposal for a regulation · Recital 7
   Current text

   (7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners of dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member St…

   Amendment

   (7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners or persons responsible for dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
   official amendment document ↗
8. Amendment 8Proposal for a regulation · Recital 8
   Current text

   (8) The traceability provisions of this proposal also contribute to the protection of public health via better animal welfare, better animal health, and better controls on the possible transmission of animal diseases (some of which being of zoonotic nature), this following a One Health approach.

   Amendment

   (8) The traceability provisions of this proposal also contribute to the protection of public health via better animal welfare, better animal health, and better controls on the possible transmission of animal diseases (some of which being of zoonotic nature, some of which transmitting to wildlife, this following a One Health approach.

   official amendment document ↗
9. Amendment 9Proposal for a regulation · Recital 8 a (new)
   Amendment

   (8a) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council 54 regulates transmissible animal diseases for the purpose of avoiding the spread of such diseases in the Union. The health of animals is one of the five domains of animal welfare, and thus addressed in this Regulation. However, this Regulation does not address the diseases listed in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, but rather the state of health of dogs and cats as shaped by non-communicable diseases (for example injuries) or non-listed diseases (for example certain parasites). The rules laid down in this Regulation are therefore complementary to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and do not duplicate or overlap with the rules laid…

   Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
   official amendment document ↗
10. Amendment 10Proposal for a regulation · Recital 10
    Current text

    (10) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 requires the identification of dogs and cats with a transponder but only if they are subject to movements between Member States entered into the Union. The identification required by that Regulation is not fully harmonised as it does not include precise standards regarding transponders. Furthermore, that Regulation does not require Member States to keep databases of dogs and cats. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats supplied in the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will facilitate finding information on…

    Amendment

    (10) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 requires the identification of dogs and cats with a transponder but only if they are subject to movements between Member States entered into the Union. The identification required by that Regulation is not fully harmonised as it does not include precise standards regarding transponders. Furthermore, that Regulation does not require Member States to keep databases of dogs and cats. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats placed on the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will facilitate finding information on d…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
11. Amendment 11Proposal for a regulation · Recital 11
    Current text

    (11) The supplying of dogs and cats, whether for profit or at no cost, has an impact on the internal market. Therefore, to prevent fraud, traceability of all animals traded in the Union market should be ensured and the keeping of animals in breeding establishments, pet shops or animal shelters should be subject to detailed rules.

    Amendment

    (11) The placing on the market of dogs and cats, whether for profit or at no cost, has an impact on the internal market. Therefore, to prevent fraud, traceability of all animals traded in the Union market should be ensured and the keeping of animals in breeding and selling establishments, pet foster homes or animal shelters should be subject to detailed rules. The military, police or customs that breed or keep dogs for their own services’ use are not in such situation as they do not carry out their breeding or keeping activities for the market.

    official amendment document ↗
12. Amendment 12Proposal for a regulation · Recital 11 a (new)
    Amendment

    (11a) The occasional supply of puppies and kittens by their owners who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship and without any commercial intent or purpose, does not have a significant impact on the internal market and it is therefore justified to exclude such supply activities from the scope of application of this Regulation .

    official amendment document ↗
13. Amendment 13Proposal for a regulation · Recital 13
    Current text

    (13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats intended for scientific purposes should therefore be excluded from the scope of application of this Regulation. __________________ 4 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33).

    Amendment

    (13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council regulates clinical trials for veterinary medicinal products involving the use of animals, including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats intended or used for scientific purposes as well as dogs and cats used in clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products should therefore be excluded from the scope of application of this Regulation __________________ 4 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
14. Amendment 14Proposal for a regulation · Recital 14
    Current text

    (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the practical difficulties in certain cases to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt from certain obligations pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold. Otherwise, those pet owners would be subject to the relevant requirements of this Regulation, which would not be proportionate.

    Amendment

    (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the practical difficulties in certain cases to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or used for agricultural purposes, such as herding, guarding livestock, farm protection, or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold. Otherwise, those pet owners would be subject to the relevant requirements of this Regulation, which would not be proportionate. Stray cats that roam freely…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
15. Amendment 15Proposal for a regulation · Recital 17
    Current text

    (17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carrying out different types of activities supply dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are pet shops where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept for sale. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that pet shops are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.

    Amendment

    (17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carrying out different types of activities with respect to the placing on the market of dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are selling establishments where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept for sale. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that selling establishments are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.

    official amendment document ↗
16. Amendment 16Proposal for a regulation · Recital 19
    Current text

    (19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and pet shops, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all supply dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a pet shop or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of having been kept in poor welf…

    Amendment

    (19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and selling establishments, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all place dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a selling establishment or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of havi…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
17. Amendment 17Proposal for a regulation · Recital 19 a (new)
    Amendment

    (19a) Member States have observed the increasing use of foster homes by operators responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats . Given that the number of dogs and cats kept in foster homes may impact the market of dogs and cats, foster homes should be covered by this Regulation. In such cases, the operators placing the dogs or cats in foster homes should be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this Regulation are met in those foster homes. This could be achieved inter alia through the establishment of a contractual relationship between the operator and the foster family.

    official amendment document ↗
18. Amendment 18Proposal for a regulation · Recital 20
    Current text

    (20) In addition, given the significant numbers of animals supplied in the Union by shelters, and the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation regarding traceability and prevention of illegal trade, shelters should also be subject to the requirements of this Regulation concerning identification and registration of dogs and cats, regardless of whether or not their activity can be considered economic in nature.

    Amendment

    (20) In addition, given the significant numbers of animals placed on market inthe Union by shelters, and the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation regarding traceability and prevention of illegal trade, shelters should also be subject to the requirements of this Regulation concerning identification and registration of dogs and cats, regardless of whether or not their activity can be considered economic in nature. Operators responsible for shelters should be encouraged to take appropriate measures to prevent reproduction of the dogs or catskept in shelters.

    official amendment document ↗
19. Amendment 19Proposal for a regulation · Recital 23
    Current text

    (23) In order to ensure proper enforcement of this Regulation, it is essential that competent authorities are able to identify the establishments subject to their official controls. It is therefore necessary that operators keeping dogs and cats in establishments notify their activities to the competent authorities.

    Amendment

    (23) In order to ensure proper enforcement of this Regulation, it is essential that competent authorities are able to identify the establishments subject to their official controls. It is therefore necessary that operators keeping dogs and cats in establishments notify their activities to the competent authorities and that the competent authorities keep an updated register of these establishments. In order to minimise the administrative burden for operators, competent authorities should be able, for that purpose, to use information or data collected in the register of dogs and cats establishments under Regulation (EU) 2016/429.

    official amendment document ↗
20. Amendment 20Proposal for a regulation · Recital 24
    Current text

    (24) Well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats.

    Amendment

    (24) Well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats. Animal caretakers should update their competences through training programmes.

    official amendment document ↗
21. Amendment 21Proposal for a regulation · Recital 25
    Current text

    (25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Veterinarians should play an active role in raising awareness on the interrelationship between the health and welfare of those animals. Establishments keeping dogs and cats should therefore receive a regular animal welfare visit from a veterinarian.

    Amendment

    (25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Veterinarians should play an active role in raising awareness on the interrelationship between the health and welfare of those animals. Establishments keeping a number of dogs and cats that exceeds a certain threshold dogs and cats should therefore receive an animal welfare visit from a veterinarian within the first year of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
22. Amendment 22Proposal for a regulation · Recital 25 a (new)
    Amendment

    (25a) In order to ensure high level of animal welfare veterinarians maintain an appropriate degree of professional independence from the operator, as well as comprehensive education and ongoing training to stay abreast of scientific and professional advances. This training may, as appropriate, also encompass elements related to recognising instances of violence and animal abuse .

    official amendment document ↗
23. Amendment 23Proposal for a regulation · Recital 25 b (new)
    Amendment

    (25b) Where veterinarians encounter circumstances during their animal health and welfare visits that could seriously affect the welfare of dogs or cats, they are encouraged, where appropriate, to notify the relevant authorities or to consider conducting a follow-up visit to assess the situation.

    official amendment document ↗
24. Amendment 24Proposal for a regulation · Recital 25 c (new)
    Amendment

    (25c) Ending the life of dogs and cats should preferably be assisted by a veterinarian using methods that minimise pain and distress. In exceptional cases, such as when a hunting or livestock guardian dog is severely injured in a remote location where veterinary help is not accessible, other methods may be used, provided they minimise suffering to the greatest extent possible.

    official amendment document ↗
25. Amendment 25Proposal for a regulation · Recital 26
    Current text

    (26) Certain breeding strategies may lead to welfare problems for dogs and cats. By selecting certain genetic traits for aesthetic or other marketing reasons, undesirable traits from an animal welfare perspective may also be created and passed on to future generations. Therefore, operators should take measures to ensure that their breeding strategies do not lead to such negative consequences for the welfare of the dogs and cats.

    Amendment

    (26) Certain breeding strategies may lead to welfare problems for dogs and cats. By selecting certain genetic traits for aesthetic or other marketing reasons, undesirable traits from an animal welfare perspective may also be created and passed on to future generations. Therefore, operators should take measures to ensure that their breeding strategies do not lead to such negative consequences for the welfare of the dogs and cats. In particular, breeding strategies motivated by marketing objectives can result in certain types of dogs and cats developing ‘excessive conformational traits’. Since such excessive conformational traits can lead to significant health problems for the dogs and cats co…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
26. Amendment 26Proposal for a regulation · Recital 26 a (new)
    Amendment

    (26a) Aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs or cats have an impact on the market opportunities and price for selling dogs and cats. Mutilations and certain breeding strategies that result in dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits can be advantageous for breeders competing in aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs or cats. Organising and participating in such events can be driven by factors other than animal welfare, such as aesthetic standards, with the aim of advertising certain breeds and physical characteristics. In order to ensure that breeders prioritise the welfare of the dogs and cats they produce and in particular that dogs and cats do not de…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
27. Amendment 27Proposal for a regulation · Recital 27
    Current text

    (27) Scientific evidence demonstrates that inbreeding has significant negative impacts on animal health and welfare. Therefore, inbreeding of dogs and cats including first-degree and second-degree matings should be prohibited, as this increases the incidence of inherited disorders and compromises immune system function, both of which adversely impact the health and welfare of dogs and cats.

    Amendment

    (27) Scientific evidence demonstrates that inbreeding has significant negative impacts on animal health and welfare. Therefore, inbreeding of dogs and cats between parents and offspring, between siblings, between half siblings or between grandparents and grandchildren should be prohibited, as this increases the incidence of inherited disorders and compromises immune system function, both of which adversely impact the health and welfare of dogs and cats. Inbreeding should nevertheless be possible, when necessary to preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool provided that it is authorised for that reason by the competent authority.

    official amendment document ↗
28. Amendment 28Proposal for a regulation · Recital 29 a (new)
    Amendment

    (29a) Scientific evidence confirms that consistent access to adequate nutrition and hydration is fundamental for the welfare of dogs and cats. It is therefore appropriate to lay down minimum requirements for operators in this respect. Feeding and drinking facilities should be kept clean, and designed, constructed and installed in such a way as to ensure equal access for all animals, thus minimising competition and avoiding agonistic behaviour. Such facilities should also be designed to minimise spillage, prevent contamination of feed and water with harmful substances, and avoid any risk of harm to dogs and cats.

    official amendment document ↗
29. Amendment 29Proposal for a regulation · Recital 30
    Current text

    (30) Scientific evidence is clear about the necessity for dogs and cats of having enough space to express their natural behaviour and having normal social interactions. This is not possible where animals are kept in confinement and in cages. The keeping of dogs and cats in cages should therefore be prohibited.

    Amendment

    (30) Scientific evidence is clear about the necessity for dogs and cats of having enough space to express their natural behaviour and having normal social interactions. This is not possible where animals are kept in confinement and in containers for long periods. The keeping of dogs and cats in containers for long periods should therefore be prohibited, except if needed for the transport and temporary, short term isolation of individual dogs and or cats and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, for puppies or kittens with reduced thermoregulation capacity or puppies or kittens together with their mothers provided that stress is minimised and suffering due to extrem…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
30. Amendment 30Proposal for a regulation · Recital 33
    Current text

    (33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should only be bred after reaching skeletal as well as sexual maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three consecutive pregnancies should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period. Reproduction should gradually cease in bitches and queens coming into older age.

    Amendment

    (33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should not be bred before reaching appropriate maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three pregnancies litters within a period of 2 years should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period, which should not be less of 1 year for bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns, within a period of 2 years. Reproduction should…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
31. Amendment 31Proposal for a regulation · Recital 34 a (new)
    Amendment

    (34a) Member States should lay down rules on effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for non-compliance with this Regulation, including cases of abandonment of dogs and cats by operators. Breeding establishments that engage in abusive practices compromising animal welfare should, in particular, be subject to strong and dissuasive penalties. Such practices should be unequivocally condemned, and responsible persons should be prevented from continuing their activities in any Member State. Competent authorities should ensure that animals kept in such establishments are promptly removed and provided with appropriate care and protection.

    official amendment document ↗
32. Amendment 32Proposal for a regulation · Recital 36
    Current text

    (36) Procedures with the purpose of altering the appearance of or preventing certain behaviours of cats and dogs, such as ear cropping, tail docking, removal of claws and resection of vocal cords, have a serious negative impact on the welfare of cats and dogs. These procedures cause pain and prevent cats and dogs from expressing innate behaviours. For this reason, they should only be allowed if performed by a veterinarian and only when necessary for medical reasons.

    Amendment

    (36) Procedures with the purpose of altering the appearance of or preventing certain behaviours of cats and dogs, such as ear cropping, tail docking, removal of claws and resection of vocal cords, have a serious negative impact on the welfare of cats and dogs. These procedures cause pain and prevent cats and dogs from expressing innate behaviours. For this reason, they should can only be allowed if performed by a veterinarian and only when necessary for medical reasons. However, for certain breeds, f.e. for hunting dogs, such procedures could be allowed for prophylactic, diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons, and only if carried out by a veterinarian. In specific contexts and regions of Euro…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
33. Amendment 33Proposal for a regulation · Recital 36 a (new)
    Amendment

    (36a) Dogs used in the military, police and customs services normally undergo a very specific type of training to be prepared in the interest of national security. In order to have the possibility to attain the training deemed most appropriate, Member States should be able to grant derogations for dogs kept in breeding or selling establishments which are destined to be military, police or custom dogs

    official amendment document ↗
34. Amendment 34Proposal for a regulation · Recital 37
    Current text

    (37) The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly kept and treated before being placed on the market. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of their suppliers. Since all establishments have an extended time for application of requirements on housing and health, it is necessary that the obligation of breeding establishments to obtain an approval should start to apply on the same…

    Amendment

    (37) Prior inspection of establishments by official veterinarians or other professionals, in case the official control task has been delegated, and consequent approval of establishments is an effective way to ensure that establishments comply with the requirements of this Regulation. However, given the limited availability of official veterinarians in Member States, it is not proportionate to require prior on-site inspection and approval for all establishments so that official veterinarians should focus on establishments representing a higher risk from the point of view of animal welfare. The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are pro…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
35. Amendment 35Proposal for a regulation · Recital 38
    Current text

    (38) Some operators placing on the market dogs and cats, or shelters supplying dogs and cats, encourage potential customers to buy at any cost using emotional arguments, without mentioning to the potential owner the consequences of owning a pet animal. Other operators or shelters insist on the responsibility attached to pet ownership and this has the effect of limiting their ability to sell animals. This discrepancy of attitudes of operators tends to advantage less responsible operators, leading to distortions of competition despite the importance for animal welfare and public order of informing customers about their responsibility when buying a dog or a cat. It is therefore justified to req…

    Amendment

    (38) Some operators placing on the market dogs and cats encourage potential customers to buy at any cost using emotional arguments, without mentioning to the potential owner the consequences of owning a pet animal. Other operators or shelters insist on the responsibility attached to pet ownership and this has the effect of limiting their ability to sell animals. This discrepancy of attitudes of operators tends to advantage less responsible operators, leading to distortions of competition despite the importance for animal welfare and public order of informing customers about their responsibility when buying a dog or a cat. It is therefore justified to require that all operators placing of dog…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
36. Amendment 36Proposal for a regulation · Recital 39
    Current text

    (39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonize the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal is supplied in the Union for the fi…

    Amendment

    (39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonize the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal placed on the Union market for the…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
37. Amendment 37Proposal for a regulation · Recital 40
    Current text

    (40) Suppliers of dogs and cats should not only provide evidence of identification, showing a document referring to the code of the transponder implanted in the animal but also evidence of the registration of that animal into an official database. This allows key information about the animal to be passed on to the new owner and ensures traceability.

    Amendment

    (40) Natural or legal persons placing dogs and cats on the Union market should not only provide evidence of identification, showing a document referring to the code of the transponder implanted in the animal but also evidence of the registration of that animal into an official database. This allows key information about the animal to be passed on to the new owner and ensures traceability.

    official amendment document ↗
38. Amendment 38Proposal for a regulation · Recital 41
    Current text

    (41) As most dogs and cats are currently offered for sale or donation by means of listings placed on online platforms, providers of online platforms should act diligently when intermediating access to dogs and cats. Therefore, without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, online platforms should be required to adapt the modalities of their listings for dogs and cats so that suppliers provide proofs of the identification and registration of the dogs and cats intended for sale or donation. In addition, the Commission should ensure the development of a system publicly available free of charge allowing to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of a dog or a cat. This me…

    Amendment

    (41) As most dogs and cats are currently offered for sale or donation by means of advertisements placed on online platforms, providers of online platforms should act diligently when intermediating access to dogs and cats. Therefore, without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, online platforms should be required to adapt the modalities of their advertisements for dogs and cats so that natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the Union market provide proofs of the identification and registration of the dogs and cats intended for sale or donation. In addition, the Commission should ensure the development of a system publicly available free of charge allowing to verify the authentici…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
39. Amendment 39Proposal for a regulation · Recital 43
    Current text

    (43) To ensure traceability of dogs and cats, animals should not only be marked with a unique identifier in the form of transponder, but their identification should also be registered in a database. Therefore, Member States that do not yet have national databases for dogs and cats should establish such databases so that identification can be reliable and verified. In addition, to ensure traceability within the Union, these national databases should be interoperable, allowing competent authorities and relevant stakeholders to verify the authenticity of the identification.

    Amendment

    (43) To ensure traceability of dogs and cats, they should not only be individually identified with a unique identifier in the form of a transponder, but their identification should also be registered in a database. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats placed on the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will make it easier for information on dogs and cats to be accessed across the Union, as well as enable competent authorities to carry out official checks to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules. In order to facilitate the interoper…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
40. Amendment 40Proposal for a regulation · Recital 44 a (new)
    Amendment

    (44a) In order to streamline cross-border movements of identified and registered dogs and cats, and to ensure timely access by veterinarians to relevant medical information, Member States are encouraged to establish a digital passport system. This digital document should include essential data on the animal’s identification and vaccination status, thereby enhancing both animal health management and administrative efficiency.

    official amendment document ↗
41. Amendment 41Proposal for a regulation · Recital 44 b (new)
    Amendment

    (44b) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures.

    official amendment document ↗
42. Amendment 42Proposal for a regulation · Recital 44 c (new)
    Amendment

    (44c) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures. The roles of the Commission and of the Member States in relation to the processing of personal data in cases under this Regulation need to be defined c…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
43. Amendment 43Proposal for a regulation · Recital 46
    Current text

    (46) The provisions mentioned in the previous recital should be enforced through a listing of third countries approved to supply of dogs and cats to the Union based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which supply or intend to supply dogs and cats to the Union. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commission should, foll…

    Amendment

    (46) Enforcement of import rules should be ensured through a listing of third countries approved to place dogs and cats on the Union market based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or recognised by the Union as equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which export or intend to export dogs and cats to the Union market. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commissi…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
44. Amendment 44Proposal for a regulation · Recital 46 a (new)
    Amendment

    (46a) To enhance consumer protection and to ensure the proper traceability of imports of dogs and cats into the Union, it is appropriate to require that they be identified before their entry and that the importers ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ databases. This will result in greater control on the movements of those animals. Furthermore, the EU Coordinated Action on the illegal trade of cats and dogs carried out in 2022 and 2023 demonstrated that one of the common fraudulent practices with the trade in dogs and cats consists in importing into the Union dogs and cats intended for trade claiming that those movements are non-commercial movements as defined by Union anima…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
45. Amendment 45Proposal for a regulation · Recital 47
    Current text

    (47) Under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, a list of third countries authorised for the purpose of entry into the Union of dogs and cats is established for the purpose of managing the risk of introducing transmissible animal diseases into the Union. The list of third countries mentioned in the previous recital should therefore be limited to third countries authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and which provide appropriate guarantees of the capacity of their competent authority to control and ensure compliance of the establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats for export to the Union with the animal welfare requirements set out in this Regulation.

    Amendment

    (47) Under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, a list of third countries authorised for the purpose of entry into the Union of dogs and cats is established for the purpose of managing the risk of introducing transmissible animal diseases into the Union. The list of third countries mentioned in recital 46 should therefore be limited to third countries authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and which provide appropriate guarantees of the capacity of their competent authority to control and ensure compliance of the establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats for export to the Union with the animal welfare requirements set out in this Regulation.

    official amendment document ↗
46. Amendment 46Proposal for a regulation · Recital 47 a (new)
    Amendment

    (47a) In order to effectively trace the origin of the dog or a cat in the third country and to address illegal imports into the Union and fraudulent practices under the pretext of non-commercial movements as defined by Union Animal Health rules, it is important that dogs and cats are imported from third countries in compliance with this Regulation as regards their registration into a Member State database within 2 working days after their entry into the Union.

    official amendment document ↗
47. Amendment 47Proposal for a regulation · Recital 48
    Current text

    (48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of amending Article 6 to this Regulation so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes that have detrimental effects on the health or welfare of the dogs and cats.

    Amendment

    (48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, especially the opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of supplementing Article 6a of this Regulation to define the characteristics of genotypes, phenotypes, and excessive conformational traits that should be excluded from reproduction, so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes that have detrimental effects on the health or welfare of the dogs and cats. In the context of aesthetic shows, exhibitions, and competitions,…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
48. Amendment 48Proposal for a regulation · Recital 52 – indent 2
    Current text

    – Article 17(5) to specify the information to be provided by suppliers as proof of identification and registration of dogs and cats, both in cases where they are offered through online platforms and by other means;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
49. Amendment 49Proposal for a regulation · Recital 52 – indent 6
    Current text

    – Article 21(5) to establish a procedure for the recognition by the Union of equivalence of the conditions under which dogs and cats are bred and kept in establishments in a third country which intends to export animals to the Union, with the provisions of this Regulation regarding establishments.

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
50. Amendment 50Proposal for a regulation · Recital 53 a (new)
    Amendment

    (53a) The Member states may consider raising awareness about animal welfare and responsible animal care.

    official amendment document ↗
51. Amendment 51Proposal for a regulation · Recital 55
    Current text

    (55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions.

    Amendment

    (55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions. The evaluation should asses the technological and scientific developments that have occurred, including the means of identification of dogs or cats and the possibility of using alternative means which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder. The evaluation should also guarantee the fraud-proof and robust cha…

    Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
    official amendment document ↗
52. Amendment 52Proposal for a regulation · Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
    Current text

    (b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.

    Amendment

    (b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market.

    official amendment document ↗
53. Amendment 53Proposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 1
    Current text

    1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as their supplying in the Union.

    Amendment

    1. This Regulation shall apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market and entry into the Union of dogs and cats.

    official amendment document ↗
54. Amendment 54Proposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2
    Current text

    2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes.

    Amendment

    2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes or for clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products.

    official amendment document ↗
55. Amendment 55Proposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
    Amendment

    2a. This Regulation shall not apply to: – natural persons who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship, and who allow such animals to reproduce, limited to a maximum of one litter per species per household, per 18 months, without placing them on the market; – and to agricultural holdings, with the exception of the provisions laid down under Article 5.

    official amendment document ↗
56. Amendment 56Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)
    Amendment

    1a. ‘Dogs that perform specific, working or professional activities’: means those animals which, having been selected for their physical, instinctive and temperamental qualities, are trained to assist people in a regulated activity or specific task, such as those used for hunting, working, herding, rescue, assistance or for sporting purposes or those used by law enforcement agencies, as well as guide animals, guide dogs or animals intended for zootherapy that have been trained in centres or by specialised professionals to support, guide and assist people with functional diversities;

    official amendment document ↗
57. Amendment 57Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new)
    Amendment

    3a. "breeding" means the activity of keeping dogs or cats in breeding establishments for the purpose of reproduction;

    official amendment document ↗
58. Amendment 58Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 b (new)
    Amendment

    3b. "advertising" means any form of communication which has the direct or indirect effect of promoting a dog or cat in order to attract interest, engagement or sales, including the promotion of a breed or a physical characteristic;

    official amendment document ↗
59. Amendment 59Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
    Current text

    4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained or handled in an establishment;

    Amendment

    4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which dogs and cats are held, housed, detained or handled in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator;

    official amendment document ↗
60. Amendment 60Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
    Current text

    5. ‘placing on the market’ means the keeping of dogs and cats for the purpose of sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility for the animal, that is against consideration or at least reimbursement of the costs incurred, including the advertising of animals for the above purposes;

    Amendment

    5. ‘placing on the market’ means the sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility of dogs or cats in the course of a commercial activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge, as well as the advertising of dogs or cats online;

    official amendment document ↗
61. Amendment 61Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 6
    Current text

    6. ‘supplying’ means the transferring of ownership or responsibility for dogs or cats through any means or form, whether for a consideration or not, excluding occasional supplies by natural persons of dogs or cats by other means than via the intermediation of an online platform;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
62. Amendment 62Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7
    Current text

    7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or the sypplying of dogs and cats;

    Amendment

    7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or of dogs or cats;

    official amendment document ↗
63. Amendment 63Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 8
    Current text

    8. ‘listing’ means the publication, on an online platform, of an advertisement for the supply of a dog or a cat;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
64. Amendment 64Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new)
    Amendment

    10a. ‘livestock guardian dog’ means a dog primarily, kept or trained to manage, move, or control livestock in agricultural or pastoral settings, including farms, grazing areas, or during transport;

    official amendment document ↗
65. Amendment 65Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 11
    Current text

    11. ‘establishments’ means breeding establishments, animal shelters and pet shops;

    Amendment

    11. ‘establishments’ means breeding establishments, selling establishments, shelters and foster homes;

    official amendment document ↗
66. Amendment 66Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12
    Current text

    12. ‘breeding establishments’ means any premises or structure, where dogs and cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market, including households;

    Amendment

    12. ‘breeding establishments’ means any premises or structure, where dogs or cats are kept for reproduction purposes with a view to placing their offspring on the market, including households;

    official amendment document ↗
67. Amendment 67Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new)
    Amendment

    12a. ‘agricultural holding means an agricultural holding within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 that is not a breeding establishment as defined in this Regulation;

    official amendment document ↗
68. Amendment 68Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13
    Current text

    13. ‘pet shops’ means any premises or structure where dogs and cats are kept for sale as pet animals, without having been born there;

    Amendment

    13. ‘selling establishments’ means any premises or structure where dogs or cats are kept for sale without having been born there;

    official amendment document ↗
69. Amendment 69Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14
    Current text

    14. ‘animal shelters’ means any premises or structure, excluding households, operated by a natural or legal person, where unwanted, abandoned, formal stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats are kept for the purpose of supply, whether for consideration or at no cost;

    Amendment

    14. ‘shelters’ means any premises or structure, including households, operated by a natural or legal person, where unwanted, abandoned, formal stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats are kept for the purpose of placing on the market;

    official amendment document ↗
70. Amendment 70Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new)
    Amendment

    14a. ‘foster home’ means a household that keeps dogs or cats on behalf of an operator responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats;

    official amendment document ↗
71. Amendment 71Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15
    Current text

    15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person, excluding those responsible for shelters, who breeds, keeps, trades or places on the market dogs and cats under his/her control, including for a limited period of time;

    Amendment

    15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person, that places dogs and cats on the market and that is responsible for a breeding establishment, a selling establishment or a shelter or that is responsible for dogs or cats kept therein, or that is responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated and places them in foster homes;

    official amendment document ↗
72. Amendment 72Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 16
    Current text

    16. ‘supplier’ means any natural or legal person supplying a dog or a cat, including natural or legal persons responsible for shelters;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
73. Amendment 73Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 18 a (new)
    Amendment

    18a. ‘euthanasia’ means the act of inducing death under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia using medicinal products, using a method that causes a rapid and irreversible loss of consciousness with minimum pain and distress to an animal;

    official amendment document ↗
74. Amendment 74Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19
    Current text

    19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure;

    Amendment

    19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, and other than neutering or implantation of a transponder, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure of a dog or a cat ;

    official amendment document ↗
75. Amendment 75Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 a (new)
    Amendment

    19a. "Neutering" means the process whereby dogs or cats are surgically prevented from reproducing, including the surgical removal of gonads, namely the testicles in male cats and dogs and either the ovaries or the ovaries and the uterus in bitches and queens;

    official amendment document ↗
76. Amendment 76Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 b (new)
    Amendment

    19b. "Non-surgical sterilisation" means alternatives to surgical sterilisation or neutering that preserve the integrity of the body of dog or cat and do not result in the removal or permanent alteration of any part of the dog or cat body;

    official amendment document ↗
77. Amendment 77Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 20
    Current text

    20. ‘suffering’ means an unpleasant, undesired physical or mental state of being, which is the result of an animal being exposed to noxious stimuli or the absence of important positive stimuli;

    Amendment

    20. ‘suffering’ means an unpleasant, undesired physical or mental state of being, which is the result of an animal being exposed to noxious stimuli or the continuous absence of important positive stimuli;

    official amendment document ↗
78. Amendment 78Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 21
    Current text

    21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs and cats are kept;

    Amendment

    21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs and cats are kept whether temporarily or permanently;

    official amendment document ↗
79. Amendment 79Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 22
    Current text

    22. ‘kennel’ means a physical structure containing one or more individual enclosures for housing dogs;

    Amendment

    22. ‘kennel’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing dogs;

    official amendment document ↗
80. Amendment 80Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 23
    Current text

    23. ‘cattery’ means a physical structure containing one or more individual enclosures for housing cats;

    Amendment

    23. ‘cattery’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing cats;

    official amendment document ↗
81. Amendment 81Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 24
    Current text

    24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment;

    Amendment

    24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment including volunteers, interns and part-time workers;

    official amendment document ↗
82. Amendment 82Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 26
    Current text

    26. ‘tethering’ means the tying of an animal to an anchor point to keep it in a desired area;

    Amendment

    26. ‘tethering’ means the tying of an animal to an anchor point or object to keep it in a desired area or to restrict its movement;

    official amendment document ↗
83. Amendment 83Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 27
    Current text

    27. ‘container’ means any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid structure used to confine dogs and cats;

    Amendment

    27. ‘container’ means any cage, crate, box, receptacle or movable structure used to confine dogs or cats;

    official amendment document ↗
84. Amendment 84Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28
    Current text

    28. ‘pet animal’ means a dog or cat intended to be kept in a household for private enjoyment and companionship;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
85. Amendment 85Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29
    Current text

    29. ‘responsible ownership’ means the commitment of a dog or cat owner or future dog or cat owner, to perform various duties focused on the satisfaction of the behavioural, environmental and physical needs of the dog or cat, and to prevent risks that the dog or cat may pose to the community, other animals or the environment.

    Amendment

    29. ‘responsible ownership’ means the commitment of a dog or cat owner or future dog or cat owner, to perform various duties focused on the satisfaction of the health, behavioural, environmental and physical needs of the dog or cat, and to minimize risks that the dog or cat may pose to the community, other animals or the environment.

    official amendment document ↗
86. Amendment 86Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
    Current text

    This chapter shall not apply to:

    Amendment

    With the exception of the provisions laid down in Article 5 this chapter shall not apply to:

    official amendment document ↗
87. Amendment 87Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
    Current text

    – breeding establishments keeping up to three bitches or queens and producing in total two litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

    Amendment

    – breeding establishments keeping up to four bitches and producing in total three litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

    official amendment document ↗
88. Amendment 88Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 2
    Current text

    – pet shops keeping at any given time three dogs or less or six cats or less;

    Amendment

    deleted

    official amendment document ↗
89. Amendment 89Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new)
    Amendment

    – foster homes keeping at any given time five dogs or less or ten cats or less.

    official amendment document ↗
90. Amendment 90Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – title
    Current text

    General principles of welfare

    Amendment

    General welfare principles

    official amendment document ↗
91. Amendment 91Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
    Current text

    Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall apply the following principles with respect to dogs and cats bred or kept in their establishment:

    Amendment

    Operators and animal caretakers shall apply the following welfare principles with respect to dogs or cats bred or kept in their establishment:

    official amendment document ↗
92. Amendment 92Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point a
    Current text

    (a) dogs and cats are provided with water and feed of a quality and of a quantity that enables them to have good nutrition and hydration.

    Amendment

    (a) dogs and cats are provided with water and feed of a quality and of a quantity that enables them to have good and appropriate nutrition and hydration.

    official amendment document ↗
93. Amendment 93Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point b
    Current text

    (b) dogs and cats are kept in a good physical environment which is comfortable, especially in terms of space, temperature, and ease of movement.

    Amendment

    (b) dogs and cats are kept in an appropriate and clean physical environment which is secure and comfortable, especially in terms of space, air quality, temperature, light, protection against adverse climatic conditions and ease of movement, preventing overcrowding.

    official amendment document ↗
94. Amendment 94Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point c
    Current text

    (c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, or mutilations.

    Amendment

    (c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, breeding practices or mutilations.

    official amendment document ↗
95. Amendment 95Proposal for a regulation · Article 5 – paragraph 1 – point e
    Current text

    (e) dogs and cats are kept in such a way as to optimise their mental state by preventing or reducing their negative experiences in time and intensity, as well as by maximizing opportunities for positive experiences in time and intensity in the different domains referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).

    Amendment

    (e) dogs and cats are kept in such a way as to optimise their mental state by preventing or reducing their negative experiences in duration and intensity, as well as by maximizing opportunities for positive experiences in duration and intensity, preventing the development of abnormal repetitive and other behaviours indicative of negative animal welfare, and taking into consideration the individual dog's or cat's needs in the different domains referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).

    official amendment document ↗
96. Amendment 96Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – title
    Current text

    General welfare requirements for dogs and cats

    Amendment

    General welfare obligations

    official amendment document ↗
97. Amendment 97Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 1
    Current text

    1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall be responsible for the welfare of dogs and cats kept under their control and for minimising any risks to their welfare.

    Amendment

    1. Operators and animal caretakers shall be responsible for the welfare of dogs or cats kept in their establishments and under their control and to minimise any risks to their welfare. In the case of foster homes, the responsibility shall lie with the operator on whose behalf dogs or cats are kept. Such operators shall provide the foster family with adequate information on the animal welfare requirements and obligations as well as the individual needs of the dogs or cats, and shall ensure and verify that the relevant obligations set out by this Regulation are complied with in foster homes.

    official amendment document ↗
98. Amendment 98Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 1 a (new)
    Amendment

    1a. Operators shall not subject any dog or cat to cruelty, abuse or mistreatment, nor shall they breed, train or medicate them to participate in activities resulting in cruelty, abuse or mistreatment to themselves or to other dogs and cats, including dog fighting.

    official amendment document ↗
99. Amendment 99Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 1 b (new)
    Amendment

    1b. Operators and animal caretakers shall not abandon dogs or cats.

    official amendment document ↗
100. Amendment 100Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are handled by a suitable number of animal caretakers who have the skills and competences required under Article 9.

     Amendment

     2. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are handled by a suitable number of animal caretakers to meet the welfare needs of dogs or cats kept in their establishments.

     official amendment document ↗
101. Amendment 101Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 3
     Current text

     3. Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes and phenotypes that have detrimental effects on the welfare of the dogs and cats, or of their descendants. In the management of the reproduction of dogs and cats by operators, the mating between parents and offspring, or between grandparents and grandchildren, shall be prohibited. This paragraph shall not preclude the selection and breeding of brachycephalic dogs and cats provided that the selection or breeding programmes minimise the negative welfare consequences of brachycephalic traits.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
102. Amendment 102Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 – paragraph 4
     Current text

     4. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending this article as regards the specific criteria that operators shall fulfil when designing breeding strategies to meet the requirements of paragraph 3, taking into account scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority as well as social, economic and environmental impacts.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
103. Amendment 103Proposal for a regulation · Article 6 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article 6a Breeding strategies obligations 1. Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that their breeding strategies prioritise the health and welfare of the animal, and minimise the risk of producing dogs or cats with genotypes or phenotypes associated with detrimental effects on their welfare 2. Operators of breeding establishments shall not use for reproduction dogs or cats that have excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on the welfare of these dogs or cats, or of their offspring. 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Regulation by laying down the characteristics of the geno…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
104. Amendment 104Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 – title
     Current text

     Obligation to notify the breeding or keeping of dogs and cats in establishments

     Amendment

     Notification and registration of establishments

     official amendment document ↗
105. Amendment 105Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing the following information:

     Amendment

     Operators shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing at least the following information:

     official amendment document ↗
106. Amendment 106Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) the type of establishment: breeding establishment, pet shop or shelter;

     Amendment

     (c) the type of establishment: breeding establishment, selling establishment shelter or foster home;

     official amendment document ↗
107. Amendment 107Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 – paragraph 1 – point e
     Current text

     (e) the maximum number of animals which can be kept in the establishment;

     Amendment

     (e) the capacity of the establishment expressed as the maximum number of dogs and cats which can be kept in the establishment.

     official amendment document ↗
108. Amendment 108Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     Operators shall notify the competent authority of: (a) any changes concerning the information referred to in paragraph 1; (b) any cessation of activity and also specifying a deadline by which the activity must be closed, which should be no later than one month after the cessation, and also providing information on the fate of the animals; Without prejudice to any additional information required under this Article, operators are not required to notify again the information already submitted in accordance with point (b) of Article 84(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. The competent authority shall maintain a register of establishments and may use for this purpose the register provided for in poin…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
109. Amendment 109Proposal for a regulation · Article 7 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article 7a Approval of breeding establishments 1. Operators of breeding establishments shall only place dogs or cats on the market after approval of their establishment by the competent authority. 2. The competent authority shall perform on-site inspections to verify that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation. Member States may allow such inspections to be carried out remotely provided that the means of distance communication used provide sufficient evidence for the competent authority to perform reliable inspections. The competent authority shall only grant a certificate of approval to a breeding establishment that meets the requirements of this Regulation. 3. The comp…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
110. Amendment 110Proposal for a regulation · Article 8 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters place on the market or supply dogs or cats for purposes of keeping them as pet animals, they shall provide to the acquirer of pet the information necessary to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the animal, including information on responsible ownership.

     Amendment

     1. Operators shall provide to the acquirer of a dog or cat written information necessary to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the dog or cat including information on responsible ownership and on the specific needs of the dog or cat in terms of feeding, caring, health, housing and behavioural needs, as well as information on its health, including vaccination status.

     official amendment document ↗
111. Amendment 111Proposal for a regulation · Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     2. When the supplying of dogs and cats is advertised via online means, the listing shall display, in clearly visible and bold characters, the following warning:

     Amendment

     2. When operators and the natural or legal persons advertise the placing on the market of dogs and cats, via online platforms at least the following warning shall be displayed, in clearly visible and bold characters:

     official amendment document ↗
112. Amendment 112Proposal for a regulation · Article 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     “An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that all the needs for its health and well-being are met at all times.“

     Amendment

     “As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that its health and well-being needs are met at all times. Taking care of an animal required financial resources. Abandonment of pets goes against responsible care.” Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.“

     official amendment document ↗
113. Amendment 113Proposal for a regulation · Article 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     1. Animal caretakers shall have the following competences as regards the dogs and cats they are handling:

     Amendment

     1. Animal caretakers, with the exception of supervised volunteers and interns, shall have the following competences as regards the dogs and cats they are handling:

     official amendment document ↗
114. Amendment 114Proposal for a regulation · Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) ability to recognise their expressions including any sign of suffering and to identify the appropriate mitigating measures to be taken in such cases;

     Amendment

     (b) ability to recognise their expressions including any sign of suffering and to identify and take the appropriate mitigating measures to be taken in such cases;

     official amendment document ↗
115. Amendment 115Proposal for a regulation · Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) ability to apply good animal management practices, to use and maintain the equipment used for the species under their care and to minimize any risks to the welfare of the animals;

     Amendment

     (c) ability to apply good animal management practices, to use and maintain the equipment used for the species under their care and to minimize any risks to the welfare of the animals, preventing suffering;

     official amendment document ↗
116. Amendment 116Proposal for a regulation · Article 10 – title
     Current text

     Animal welfare visits

     Amendment

     Advisory welfare visits

     official amendment document ↗
117. Amendment 117Proposal for a regulation · Article 10 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall:

     Amendment

     1. Operators shall:

     official amendment document ↗
118. Amendment 118Proposal for a regulation · Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive, at least once a year, a visit by a veterinarian, for the purpose of advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare;

     Amendment

     (a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive a visit by a veterinarian by year after the date of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, for the purpose of identifying and assessing any risk factor for the welfare of the dogs and cats and advising the operator on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare and to follow up on actions taken by the operator in response to recommendations made by visiting veterinarian; thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place when appropriate, based on a risk analysis by the competent authorities; Member States may provide for that the advisory welf…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
119. Amendment 119Proposal for a regulation · Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) record the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 6 years, making them available to the competent authorities upon request.

     Amendment

     (b) keep the records of the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and of their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 5 years, from the day of the visit, and shall make them available to the competent authorities and visiting veterinarian upon request.

     official amendment document ↗
120. Amendment 120Proposal for a regulation · Article 10 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to be assessed during animal welfare visits.

     Amendment

     2. By [24 months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] the Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to identify and assess the risk factors by the veterinarian during the advisory welfare visits, including on follow-up actions.

     official amendment document ↗
121. Amendment 121Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are fed in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Annex I and may, based on the written advice of a veterinarian or an animal nutrition expert, adjust the feeding frequencies provided for in point 1 of Annex I.

     Amendment

     1. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are fed in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Annex I.

     official amendment document ↗
122. Amendment 122Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
     Current text

     2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that dogs and cats are adequately fed and hydrated by supplying:

     Amendment

     2. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are adequately fed and hydrated by supplying:

     official amendment document ↗
123. Amendment 123Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point a
     Current text

     (a) potable water, ad libitum;

     Amendment

     (a) clean and fresh water, ad libitum;

     official amendment document ↗
124. Amendment 124Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 2 – point b
     Current text

     (b) feed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the physiological, nutritional and metabolic needs and satiety of the dogs and cats, as part of a diet adapted to the age, breed, category, activity level, and health status of the dogs and cats;

     Amendment

     (b) feed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the physiological, nutritional and metabolic needs and satiety of the dogs and cats, as part of a diet adapted to the age, breed, category, activity level, and health status of the dogs and cats or cats, with the overall objective of achieving and maintaining good health;

     official amendment document ↗
125. Amendment 125Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
     Current text

     3. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that feeding and drinking facilities are constructed and installed in such a way as to:

     Amendment

     3. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that feeding and drinking facilities are kept clean and constructed and installed in such a way as to:

     official amendment document ↗
126. Amendment 126Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 3 – point a
     Current text

     (a) provide equal access to all dogs and cats, thus minimizing competition between them, avoiding agonistic behaviour, in particular where dogs and cats do not have ad libitum access to feed;

     Amendment

     (a) provide equal access to all dogs and cats;

     official amendment document ↗
127. Amendment 127Proposal for a regulation · Article 11 – paragraph 3 a (new)
     Amendment

     3a. Where advised in writing by a veterinarian to do so, the operators may adjust the feeding and watering frequencies. The operators shall keep a record of the advice for its entire duration as advised by the veterinarian.

     official amendment document ↗
128. Amendment 128Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are provided with housing in accordance with point 2 of Annex I.

     Amendment

     1. Except of natural or legal person responsible for shelters, operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are provided with housing in accordance with point 2 of Annex I.

     official amendment document ↗
129. Amendment 129Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
     Current text

     2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that:

     Amendment

     2. Operators shall ensure that:

     official amendment document ↗
130. Amendment 130Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point c
     Current text

     (c) where animals are kept in breeding establishments or pet shops, air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are kept within limits which are not harmful to dogs and cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating and, where necessary, in combination with heating systems, to remove excessive moisture;

     Amendment

     (c) in breeding establishments and selling establishments where dogs and cats are kept indoors, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are not harmful to dogs or cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating;

     official amendment document ↗
131. Amendment 131Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 2 – point d
     Current text

     (d) dogs and cats have enough space to be able to move around freely and to express species-specific behaviour according to their needs, with sufficient space for enrichment material and structures, a possibility for animals to socialise and withdraw, and clean resting places;

     Amendment

     (d) dogs and cats have enough space to be able to move around freely and to express species-specific behaviour according to their needs;

     official amendment document ↗
132. Amendment 132Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     Keeping dogs or cats in containers shall be prohibited.

     Amendment

     Operators shall not keep dogs or cats in containers.

     official amendment document ↗
133. Amendment 133Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     Containers may only be used for the transport and temporary isolation of individual dogs and cats provided that stress due to extreme temperatures is avoided.

     Amendment

     By way of derogation, containers may only be used for the transport, short term isolation of individual dogs or cats and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, for puppies or kittens with reduced thermoregulation capacity or puppies or kittens together with their mothers, provided that stress is minimised and suffering is avoided and the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.

     official amendment document ↗
134. Amendment 134Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 4
     Current text

     4. Keeping dogs exclusively indoors shall be prohibited. Dogs kept indoors shall have daily access to an outdoor area that allows exercise and socialisation. In addition, when dogs are kept in kennels, operators shall design and construct individual enclosures to allow dogs to have free access to a confined outdoor space and an indoor space or an individual hut.

     Amendment

     4. Keeping dogs exclusively indoors shall be prohibited. Dogs kept indoors shall have daily access to an outdoor area that allows exercise, exploration and socialisation. In addition, when dogs are kept in kennels, operators shall design and construct individual enclosures to allow dogs to have free access to a confined outdoor space and an indoor space or an individual hut.

     official amendment document ↗
135. Amendment 135Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 6 a (new)
     Amendment

     6a. Operators of breeding and selling establishments shall use, where necessary, heating or cooling systems to maintain good air quality, an appropriate temperature in indoor enclosures at their establishments, and remove excessive moisture.

     official amendment document ↗
136. Amendment 136Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 7
     Current text

     7. Operators shall ensure that dogs and cats have access to natural light at all times. Where needed, due to the climatic conditions and geographic position of a Member State, operators shall provide artificial lighting.

     Amendment

     7. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are exposed to light, and are able to stay in the dark for sufficient and uninterrupted periods in order to maintain a normal circadian rhythm. For the purposes of the first subparagraph, ‘light’ means natural light, complemented, where needed, due to the climatic conditions and geographic position of a Member State, by artificial light.

     official amendment document ↗
137. Amendment 137Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 8
     Current text

     8. This Article applies from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
138. Amendment 138Proposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 8 a (new)
     Amendment

     8a. Paragraph 4 shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are being trained for herding purposes.

     official amendment document ↗
139. Amendment 139Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Operators shall ensure that measures are taken to safeguard the health of dogs and cats in accordance with point 3 of Annex 1.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
140. Amendment 140Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
     Current text

     2. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that:

     Amendment

     2. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that:

     official amendment document ↗
141. Amendment 141Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point a
     Current text

     (a) dogs and cats under their responsibility are inspected by animal caretakers at least once a day;

     Amendment

     (a) dogs or cats under their responsibility are inspected by animal caretakers at least once a day and vulnerable dogs and cats, such as newborns, ill or injured dogs and cats, and peri-partum bitches and queens, are inspected more frequently;

     official amendment document ↗
142. Amendment 142Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point b
     Current text

     (b) dogs or cats with signs of disease, sickness, injury or otherwise compromised welfare are transferred, where required, without undue delay to a separate area, are treated by a veterinarian, where appropriate, and kept there until they are fully recovered, or alternatively euthanised without undue delay;

     Amendment

     (b) dogs or cats with signs of disease, sickness, injury or otherwise compromised welfare are transferred, where required, without undue delay to a separate area, are treated by a veterinarian, where appropriate, and kept there until they are fully recovered;

     official amendment document ↗
143. Amendment 143Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point c
     Current text

     (c) the euthanasia of a dog or a cat is only performed by a veterinarian.

     Amendment

     (c) where, in cases referred to in point (b), recovery is not achievable and the dogs or cats experience severe pain or suffering that cannot be alleviated and keeping them alive is contrary to the rules of their well-being euthanasia may be only carried out by a veterinarian and with the prior consent of the operator

     official amendment document ↗
144. Amendment 144Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point d
     Current text

     (d) measures including veterinary medication are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological situation;

     Amendment

     (d) measures are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments such as vaccination, to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological situation;

     official amendment document ↗
145. Amendment 145Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e
     Current text

     (e) enrichment materials do not present any risk of injury or biological or chemical contamination or any other health risk.

     Amendment

     (e) enrichment materials do not present any risk of biological or chemical contamination.

     official amendment document ↗
146. Amendment 146Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new)
     Amendment

     (ea) if available, relevant health related information shall be provided to the acquirer of a dog or a cat, including information on vaccination, allergies, health conditions and on responsible ownership in accordance with article 8(1). Point (a) shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding or training purposes.

     official amendment document ↗
147. Amendment 147Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2a. The euthanasia of a dog or a cat in animal shelters as a population management solution is prohibited.

     official amendment document ↗
148. Amendment 148Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new)
     Amendment

     (eb) health care for animals is aligned with a ‘One Health’ approach, such as the prudent use of antibiotics to avoid anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

     official amendment document ↗
149. Amendment 149Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     Operators shall ensure that:

     Amendment

     Operators responsible for breeding establishments and their caretakers shall ensure that:

     official amendment document ↗
150. Amendment 150Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point -a (new)
     Amendment

     (-a) measures are taken to safeguard the health of dogs or cats in accordance with point 3 of Annex I;

     official amendment document ↗
151. Amendment 151Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) bitches and queens are only bred if they have a minimum age in accordance with Annex I points 3.1 and 3.2, their skeletal growth is completed, and they are free from disease or physical conditions which could negatively impact their pregnancy and welfare;

     Amendment

     (a) bitches or queens are only bred if they have a minimum age in accordance with point 3 of Annex I, their skeletal growth is completed, and they have no diagnosed disease, clinical sign of diseases or physical conditions which could negatively impact their pregnancy and welfare;

     official amendment document ↗
152. Amendment 152Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) litter-giving pregnancies of bitches and queens follows a maximum frequency;

     Amendment

     (b) litter-giving pregnancies of bitches or queens follows a maximum frequency in accordance with point 3 of Annex I; ;

     official amendment document ↗
153. Amendment 153Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point d
     Current text

     (d) any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more shall, before being used for breeding, undergo a physical examination by a veterinarian, to confirm in writing that her pregnancy will not pose any risk to her welfare, including her health.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
154. Amendment 154Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point e
     Current text

     (e) adult female dogs and cats which are no longer used for reproduction, including as a result of the provisions of this Regulation, are not killed or abandoned. Operators shall continue to ensure the welfare of those animals in accordance with Regulation.

     Amendment

     (e) dogs and cats which are no longer used for reproduction, including as a result of the provisions of this Regulation, are either kept or sold, donated or rehomed, not killed or abandoned.

     official amendment document ↗
155. Amendment 155Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred to in point (d) for a period of at least 3 years after the death of the bitch or the queen.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
156. Amendment 156Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters possess results of health tests of a dog or a cat or genetic reports and diagnoses of sire or dam of the pet animal in question, they shall share this information with the animal´s acquirer.

     official amendment document ↗
157. Amendment 157Proposal for a regulation · Article 13 – paragraph 4
     Current text

     4. This Article shall apply from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
158. Amendment 158Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters shall ensure that measures are taken to meet the behavioural needs of cats and dogs in accordance with point 4 of Annex I.

     Amendment

     1. Operators shall ensure that measures are taken to meet the behavioural needs of cats or dogs in accordance with point 4 of Annex I.

     official amendment document ↗
159. Amendment 159Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 2 – introductory part
     Current text

     2. Keeping dogs and cats in areas restraining their natural movements shall be prohibited, except for performing the following procedures or treatments:

     Amendment

     2. Keeping dogs and cats in areas restraining their natural movements shall be prohibited, except in case of Article 12(3), second sub-paragraph, and for performing the following procedures or treatments:

     official amendment document ↗
160. Amendment 160Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point a
     Current text

     (a) physical examinations, including identification of the animals;

     Amendment

     (a) physical examinations;

     official amendment document ↗
161. Amendment 161Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point b
     Current text

     (b) marking animals for identification purposes;

     Amendment

     (b) individual identification of dogs and cats and reading the identification information;

     official amendment document ↗
162. Amendment 162Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point d
     Current text

     (d) procedures for hygienic, health or reproductive purpose where a written recommendation is provided by a veterinarian;

     Amendment

     (d) procedures for hygienic, health or reproductive purpose;

     official amendment document ↗
163. Amendment 163Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 2 – point e
     Current text

     (e) medical treatment where a written recommendation is provided by a veterinarian.

     Amendment

     (e) medical treatment.

     official amendment document ↗
164. Amendment 164Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 3
     Current text

     3. Tethering within the premises of the establishment for more than 1 hour shall be prohibited, except for the duration of a medical treatment.

     Amendment

     3. Tethering shall be prohibited, except for the duration of a medical treatment.

     official amendment document ↗
165. Amendment 165Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 5 a (new)
     Amendment

     5a. Operators shall ensure that enrichment is provided and accessible to all dogs or cats, creating a stimulating environment, enabling species-specific behaviour and reducing their frustration.

     official amendment document ↗
166. Amendment 166Proposal for a regulation · Article 14 – paragraph 5 b (new)
     Amendment

     5b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police and customs services that are kept in breeding or selling establishments.

     official amendment document ↗
167. Amendment 167Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed due to a medical indication with the sole purpose of improving the health of dogs and cats. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

     Amendment

     1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, claw removal or other partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed upon medical indication, which may include prophylactic, diagnostic, and/or treatment reasons, with the sole purpose of , preserving, improving the health of dogs or cats or preventing injury. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

     official amendment document ↗
168. Amendment 168Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1a. The medical indication for the mutilation and details of procedure to be carried out,shall be documented by a veterinarian. This document shall be retained by the operator until the dog or cat, along with this document, are transferred to another establishment or owner. The operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or cat when the mutilation was performed by the veterinarian shall retain a copy of the document for three years. By way of derogation, Member States may allow ear cropping by notching or tipping cat ears in the context of marking stray cats when neutered under trap-neuter programmes.

     official amendment document ↗
169. Amendment 169Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. Male and female neutering shall be permitted only if performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

     Amendment

     2. Operators shall ensure that neutering is only performed under anesthesia and prolongued analgesia by a veterinarian. Veterinarians may consider non-surgical sterilisation to neutering, whenever appropriate.

     official amendment document ↗
170. Amendment 170Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 – introductory part
     Current text

     3. The following handling practices shall be prohibited:

     Amendment

     3. The following handling practices that cause pain or suffering shall be prohibited:

     official amendment document ↗
171. Amendment 171Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point d
     Current text

     (d) prolonged use of muzzles, unless required for health or welfare reasons, in which case the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary.

     Amendment

     (d) prolonged using of muzzles, unless required for health or welfare reasons, in which case the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary.

     official amendment document ↗
172. Amendment 172Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e
     Current text

     (e) lifting dogs or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail and the hair.

     Amendment

     (e) lifting dogs or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail, ears, skin or the hair.

     official amendment document ↗
173. Amendment 173Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e a (new)
     Amendment

     (ea) using prong collars;

     official amendment document ↗
174. Amendment 174Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 – point e b (new)
     Amendment

     (eb) using choke collars without safety top;

     official amendment document ↗
175. Amendment 175Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 3 a (new)
     Amendment

     3a. By way of derogation from paragraph 3: (a) the practices referred to in point (c) of paragraph 3 may be performed for medical reasons and limited to the minimum period necessary; (b) the practice referred to in points (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 3 may be performed or public health, public safety, security in which cases the duration shall be limited to the minimum time necessary and the dog or cat shall be supervised. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police or customs services.

     official amendment document ↗
176. Amendment 176Proposal for a regulation · Article 15 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article 15a Aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions 1. Operators of breeding or selling establishments shall not use in aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats, dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics. 2. Organisers of aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats shall exclude from such shows, exhibitions and competitions dogs and cats which have excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics.

     official amendment document ↗
177. Amendment 177Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], all dogs and cats kept in establishments for supply in the Union, including adult dogs and cats kept in breeding establishments, dogs and cats kept in shelters, and dogs and cats supplied by natural persons, shall be marked for identification by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are marked for identification by the date of their supply in the Union or at the latest within 3 months after the birth of the animal. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the re…

     Amendment

     1. All dogs and cats kept in establishments and all dogs and cats placed on the market shall be individually identified by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian. Where a veterinarian considers that the implantation of a microchip could significantly compromise the dog’s or cat’s health, he/she may delay the microchip implantation temporarily until the animal’s health concerns can be suitably addressed. In case a dog or a cat is experiencing significant adverse reactions after the implantation of the microchip, the veterinary…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
178. Amendment 178Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1a. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are individually identified within 3 months after their birth and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

     official amendment document ↗
179. Amendment 179Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 b (new)
     Amendment

     1b. Operators of selling establishments, shelters, and those responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats that enter their establishments or come under their responsibility are individually identified within 30/15 days after their arrival at the establishment and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.

     official amendment document ↗
180. Amendment 180Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 c (new)
     Amendment

     1c. Natural or legal persons, other than operators, placing dogs or cats on the market shall ensure that they are individually identified before the date or their placing on the market.

     official amendment document ↗
181. Amendment 181Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 d (new)
     Amendment

     1d. Dogs and cats which have been individually identified by means of an injectable transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Union or national law before [the date of application of this Regulation], shall be considered compliant with the requirements in this paragraph, provided that the microchip is readable.

     official amendment document ↗
182. Amendment 182Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be registered by the veterinarian, or an assistant under the responsibility of the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. For dogs and cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the owner of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs and cats kept in shelters , the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the shelter. For natural persons intending to supply a dog or a cat in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. Any subsequent…

     Amendment

     2. Within two working days after their identification, in accordance with paragraph 1, the dogs and cats shall be registered by the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database. For dogs and cats kept in establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For natural persons placing a dog or a cat on the market, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. In case of transfer of ownership or responsib…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
183. Amendment 183Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2a. In the case of a death of a dog or a cat kept in an establishment, the operator shall ensure that the death is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible for that database.

     official amendment document ↗
184. Amendment 184Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 2 b (new)
     Amendment

     2b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 2 and 2a for military, police and customs dogs that are kept in establishments.

     official amendment document ↗
185. Amendment 185Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     From [3 years from the date of entry into force], before supplying a dog or a cat in the Union, the supplier shall provide to the acquirer of the animal:

     Amendment

     Before placing a dog or a cat on the market the operators or natural or legal persons placing the dog or cat on the market shall provide to the acquirer of the animal:

     official amendment document ↗
186. Amendment 186Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) proof of the identification and registration of the animal in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2;

     Amendment

     (a) proof of the identification and registration of dog or cat in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2 and a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6;

     official amendment document ↗
187. Amendment 187Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of animals supplied through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

     Amendment

     Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the market through the system referred to in paragraph 7.

     official amendment document ↗
188. Amendment 188Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows the suppliers of dogs and cats to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the animal through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

     Amendment

     Providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that facilitates the operators or other natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, and Article 8 paragraph 2 in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the dog or cat through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

     official amendment document ↗
189. Amendment 189Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     The supplier of dogs and cats shall be the sole responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through the interface of the online platform. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.

     Amendment

     The natural or legal person placing dogs or cats on the market shall be the solely responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through the interface of the online platform. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.

     official amendment document ↗
190. Amendment 190Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 5
     Current text

     5. The Commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the information to be provided by suppliers as proof of identification and registration of the animal in accordance with paragraph 3(a), both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms and by other means. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
191. Amendment 191Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 6 – introductory part
     Current text

     6. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall ensure that a system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats supplied, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent entity. The system shall meet the following criteria:

     Amendment

     6. The Commission shall ensure that an online system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the market, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent entity following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. The system shall meet the following criteria:

     official amendment document ↗
192. Amendment 192Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     By the [3 years from the date of entry into force], the Commission shall adopt implementing acts specifying the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6:

     Amendment

     The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down:

     official amendment document ↗
193. Amendment 193Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – point a (new)
     Amendment

     (a) based on the content of the databases referred to in Article 19(3), point a, the exact information to be provided by natural and legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market, as proof of identification and registration of the dogs and cats in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 3, both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms and by other means;

     official amendment document ↗
194. Amendment 194Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – point a – indent 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     – the categories of personal data that are made available to the verifying person during the verification of the identification and registration, that shall be limited to those strictly needed to enable such verification.

     official amendment document ↗
195. Amendment 195Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 7 – – subparagraph 1 – point b (new)
     Amendment

     (b) the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6: - the key functionalities of the system;

     official amendment document ↗
196. Amendment 196Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 a(new)
     Amendment

     The implementing acts referred to in point (a) shall be adopted by [the date of application of this Regulation] and the implementing act referred to in point (b) shall be adopted by [3 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation]

     official amendment document ↗
197. Amendment 197Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new)
     Amendment

     (aa) ensuring that veterinarians and other relevant professionals receive training on best practices in animal welfare, including on the detection and reporting of welfare violations including painful practices as set out in Article 15, in line with One Health principles.

     official amendment document ↗
198. Amendment 198Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a b (new)
     Amendment

     (ab) ensuring that operators, natural or legal persons responsible for shelters, foster homes and pounds, animal caretakers and veterinarians receive adequate and regular training and certificates for the completion of the training courses referred to in point (a);

     official amendment document ↗
199. Amendment 199Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new)
     Amendment

     (ac) ensuring that shelter medicine courses, including those with a focus on herd health, are available for veterinarians;

     official amendment document ↗
200. Amendment 200Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new)
     Amendment

     (ad) ensuring that trainers and handlers of dogs intended for military, police and customs services receive regular training within and preferably across Member States in order to improve their skills especially on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, on behavioural science and welfare principles, and on stress management for both dogs and handlers;

     official amendment document ↗
201. Amendment 201Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new)
     Amendment

     (ba) facilitating collaboration between competent authorities, veterinary associations, and educational institutions to develop and promote high-quality, long term science-based training programmes for animal caretakers and veterinary professionals, increasing the cooperation between relevant agencies and the synergies between the information campaigns.

     official amendment document ↗
202. Amendment 202Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article 18a National information campaigns on the protection of stray animals and legislation concerning the protection of stray animals 1. Member States are encouraged to initiate and implement national information campaigns on current legislation concerning the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns must be aimed both at animal owners and at the general public, in order to raise awareness about the legal obligations and best practices in caring for animals. 2. Information campaigns may be conducted by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information communicated shall include: (a) t…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
203. Amendment 203Proposal for a regulation · Article 18 b (new)
     Amendment

     Article 18b Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats 1. Member States shall be encouraged to adopt concrete measures to prevent the abandonment of dogs and cats, including through public education, by raising awareness about responsible ownership and through the effective enforcement of existing legislation. 2. To reduce the number of strays, Member States shall be encouraged to identify and use national and private sources of funding for: (a) free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and for pet animals belonging to low-income people or animal protection organisations; (b) programmes for the registration and identification of pet animal…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
204. Amendment 204Proposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. From [3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], competent authorities shall establish and maintain a database for the registration of microchipped dogs and cats.

     Amendment

     1. The competent authorities shall establish and maintain databases for dogs and cats identified and registered in accordance with Article 17 and Article 21(4)

     official amendment document ↗
205. Amendment 205Proposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. From [5 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation], Member States shall ensure that their databases as referred to in paragraph 1 are interoperable with the same databases of other Member States so that the identification of a dog or a cat can be authenticated and traced across the Union.

     Amendment

     2. Member States shall ensure that their databases as referred to in paragraph 1 comply with the requirements laid down by the implementing act referred to in point (b) of paragraph 3 to ensure their interoperability so that the identification of a dog or a cat can be authenticated and traced across the Union.

     official amendment document ↗
206. Amendment 206Proposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs and cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this index database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of [ Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.

     official amendment document ↗
207. Amendment 207Proposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) their interoperability between Member States;

     Amendment

     (b) the interoperability between Member States databases and the index database;

     official amendment document ↗
208. Amendment 208Proposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new)
     Amendment

     (fa) The interconnection between the Member States databases referred to in paragraph 1 and any other relevant database, including the Information Management System for Official Controls (IMSOC).

     official amendment document ↗
209. Amendment 209Proposal for a regulation · Article 20 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article 20a National information campaigns concerning stray animal legislation and protection 1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to initiate and implement national information campaigns concerning existing legislation on the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns should be targeted at both animal owners and the general public in order to raise awareness of legal obligations and good practices in relation to animal care. 2. Information campaigns can be run by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information provided must include: (a) T…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
210. Amendment 210Proposal for a regulation · Article 20 b (new)
     Amendment

     Article 20b Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats 1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to adopt concrete measures to prevent abandonment of dogs and cats, including by educating the public, making owners responsible and enforcing existing legislation effectively. 2. To reduce the number of stray animals, the Member States are encouraged to identify and use national and private financing sources for: (a) Free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and pets of persons on low incomes or animal protection organisations; (b) Programmes to register and identify pets, including by microchipping,…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
211. Amendment 211Proposal for a regulation · Article 20 c (new)
     Amendment

     Article 20c Data protection 1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall be controllers within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 7, Article 7a and Article 19(1) of this Regulation. The Commission shall be a controller within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 17(6) and the second subparagraph of Article 21(4) of this Regulation. It shall be prohibited for any person having access to the personal data referred to in the first and second sub-paragraphs to divulge any personal data, the knowledge of which was acquired in the exercis…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
212. Amendment 212Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     1. From [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the Union market if they have been kept in compliance with any of the following:

     Amendment

     1. Dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market provided that the following conditions are met:

     official amendment document ↗
213. Amendment 213Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) Chapters II of this Regulation;

     Amendment

     (a) they have been breed and kept in compliance with any of the following:

     official amendment document ↗
214. Amendment 214Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i (new)
     Amendment

     (i) Chapter II of this Regulation;

     official amendment document ↗
215. Amendment 215Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) conditions recognised by the Union to be equivalent to those set out by this Regulation; or

     Amendment

     (ii) conditions recognised by the Union in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 to be equivalent to those set out by Chapter II of this Regulation; or

     official amendment document ↗
216. Amendment 216Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) where applicable, requirements contained in a specific agreement between the Union and the exporting country

     Amendment

     (iii) where applicable, requirements contained in a specific agreement between the Union and the exporting country.

     official amendment document ↗
217. Amendment 217Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. From [5 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation], dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market or supply provided that they come from a third country or territory and an establishment listed in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

     Amendment

     (b) they come from a third country or territory and an establishment listed in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

     official amendment document ↗
218. Amendment 218Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 3
     Current text

     3. From [date of entry into force of this Regulation + 5 years], the official certificate accompanying dogs and cats entering into the Union from third countries and territories shall contain an attestation certifying compliance with paragraphs 1 and confirming that the dogs and cats originate from an establishment listed in accordance with paragraph 2.

     Amendment

     2. The official certificate referred to in Article 126(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 accompanying dogs and cats entering into the Union from third countries and territories to be placed on the Union market, shall contain an attestation certifying compliance with paragraph 1 of this Article.

     official amendment document ↗
219. Amendment 219Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     4. Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union shall be identified with a microchip as referred to in Article 17(1) and allowing for traceability. __________________ 11 Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/692 of 30 January 2020 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards rules for entry into the Union, and the movement and handling after entry of consignments of certain animals, germinal products and products of animal origin, OJ L 174, 3.6.2020, p. 379.

     Amendment

     3. Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union to be placed on the Union market, shall be identified before their entry by a veterinarian with a microchip. compliant with Annex II . The importer shall ensure the registration of dogs and cats by a veterinarian into a national database, referred to in Article 19 within two working days after their entry into the Union. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database. __________________ 11 Commission…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
220. Amendment 220Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     In case the dogs or cats entering into the Union are not yet registered in a Member State database as referred to in Article 19(1), once they arrive at their place of destination, the owner or person responsible for the animal shall ensure their registration into one of the Member States databases within 48 hours of arrival.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
221. Amendment 221Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 4 a (new)
     Amendment

     4a. The entry of dogs and cats into the Union under a non-commercial movement, as defined in point 14 of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, shall be pre-notified by their owners into an online Union pet travellers’ database at least five working days before the crossing of the Union border, except in the following cases: (a) dogs or cats entering into the Union directly from third countries listed in accordance with Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013; (b) dogs or cats registered in a Member State database referred to in Article 19(1). The owner shall pre-notify the identity of the dog or cat and where relevant the identity of the authorised person travelling with that dog or ca…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
222. Amendment 222Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 5
     Current text

     5. The Commission is empowered, by means of implementing acts, to establish a procedure for the recognition by the Union of equivalent conditions under point paragraph 1 point (b). Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 24.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
223. Amendment 223Proposal for a regulation · Article 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending the Annexes to this Regulation to take into account of scientific and technical progress, including, when relevant, scientific opinions of EFSA, and of social, economic and environmental impacts, as regards:

     Amendment

     The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending the Annexes to this Regulation to take into account of scientific and technical progress, including, when relevant, scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority, and of social, economic, and environmental impacts, as regards:

     official amendment document ↗
224. Amendment 224Proposal for a regulation · Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) feeding frequencies and weaning process;

     Amendment

     (a) watering and feeding requirements and weaning process;

     official amendment document ↗
225. Amendment 225Proposal for a regulation · Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) lighting parameters;

     Amendment

     (c) lightin requirements;

     official amendment document ↗
226. Amendment 226Proposal for a regulation · Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point h
     Current text

     (h) minimum age of bitches and queens for onset of breeding;

     Amendment

     (h) minimum and maximum age of bitches and queens for breeding;

     official amendment document ↗
227. Amendment 227Proposal for a regulation · Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point j
     Current text

     (j) requirements for transponders used to mark dogs and cats;

     Amendment

     (j) requirements for transponders used to individually identify dogs and cats;

     official amendment document ↗
228. Amendment 228Proposal for a regulation · Article 23 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

     Amendment

     2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

     official amendment document ↗
229. Amendment 229Proposal for a regulation · Article 23 – paragraph 3
     Current text

     3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

     Amendment

     3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

     official amendment document ↗
230. Amendment 230Proposal for a regulation · Article 23 – paragraph 6
     Current text

     6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(4), Article 10(2) and Article 22 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

     Amendment

     6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of two months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

     official amendment document ↗
231. Amendment 231Proposal for a regulation · Article 25 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats and in force at the time of entry into force of this Regulation, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before [the date of application of this Regulation], Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

     Amendment

     1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining or adopting any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats, kept in establishments and to their traceability, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

     official amendment document ↗
232. Amendment 232Proposal for a regulation · Article 25 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from adopting stricter national measures aimed at ensuring more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats kept in establishments within the territory of a Member State on the following animal welfare issues: (a) housing conditions; (b) mutilations; (c) enrichment; (d) selection and breeding programmes, including minimum and maximum age for breeding. Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules before their adoption. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
233. Amendment 233Proposal for a regulation · Article 25 – paragraph 3
     Current text

     3. The measures referred to in paragraph 2 shall only be allowed provided that they are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
234. Amendment 234Proposal for a regulation · Article 25 – paragraph 4
     Current text

     4. Member States shall not prohibit or impede the placing on the market within their territory of dogs and cats kept in another Member State on the grounds that the dogs and cats concerned have not been kept in accordance with its stricter national rules on animal welfare.

     Amendment

     4. Member States that have stricter national rules referred to in paragraph 1 shall not prohibit or impede the placing on the market within their territory of dogs and cats kept in another Member State on the grounds that the dogs and cats concerned have not been kept in accordance with its stricter national rules on animal welfare.

     official amendment document ↗
235. Amendment 235Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. On the basis of the reports received in accordance with Article 20 and additional relevant information, the Commission shall publish, by [7 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] and thereafter every 5 years, a monitoring report on the welfare of dogs and cats placed on the market in the Union.

     Amendment

     1. On the basis of the reports received in accordance with Article 20 and additional relevant information, the Commission shall publish, by [7 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] and thereafter every 5 years, a monitoring report on the welfare of dogs and cats placed on the market in the Union. The monitoring report shall assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, socio-economic impact and EU added value of this Regulation in achieving its objectives. In particular, the Commission shall assess:

     official amendment document ↗
236. Amendment 236Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point a (new)
     Amendment

     (a) the extent to which this Regulation has contributed to ensuring a high level of welfare for dogs and cats, improving traceability, reducing illegal trade, and addressing the problems associated with inhumane breeding practices, including so-called puppy and kitten mills;

     official amendment document ↗
237. Amendment 237Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point b (new)
     Amendment

     (b) whether the scope of this Regulation remains fit for purpose, taking into account market developments, scientific and technological progress,and animal welfare considerations; and whether the current exceptions remain appropriate and sufficient in light of these developments;

     official amendment document ↗
238. Amendment 238Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point c (new)
     Amendment

     (c) whether scientifical and technological progress has occurred, including development of new means of identification, taking into account their technical reliability, cost-effectiveness and invasiveness for the animal;

     official amendment document ↗
239. Amendment 239Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point d (new)
     Amendment

     (d) the impact of this Regulation on breeders, shelters, foster homes, and other operators, including the administrative burden and compliance costs;

     official amendment document ↗
240. Amendment 240Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point e (new)
     Amendment

     (e) the level of enforcement and compliance achieved by Member States, and the effectiveness of the cooperation between competent authorities, including data exchange and traceability mechanisms,

     official amendment document ↗
241. Amendment 241Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point f (new)
     Amendment

     (f) the feasibility, costs and benefits of introducing a digital passport for dogs and cats which could contain information on the identification, vaccination status and medical history of the animal.

     official amendment document ↗
242. Amendment 242Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 – point g (new)
     Amendment

     (g) the feasibility, impact and proportionality of extending mandatory identification and registration to all dogs and cats, including those kept by private owners,

     official amendment document ↗
243. Amendment 243Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1a. By 2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall assess the possibility of registering dogs and cats, in accordance with Article 21(3), upon their entry into the Union, and shall present a report on its main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.

     official amendment document ↗
244. Amendment 244Proposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. By [15 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

     Amendment

     2. By [12 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

     official amendment document ↗
245. Amendment 245Proposal for a regulation · Article 27 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

     Amendment

     Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation, as well as those resulting from the abandonment of pets, and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.

     official amendment document ↗
246. Amendment 246Proposal for a regulation · Article 27 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     Member States shall ensure that the level of the financial penalties imposed for violations of this Regulation and of the rules referred to in Article 2(1), involving fraud or deception, reflects, in accordance with national law, at least the economic advantage for the operator, or, where appropriate, a percentage of the operator´s turnover and is high enough to have a deterrent effect. In cases where the infringements of the requirements of this Regulation are serious and repeated, Member States shall ensure that the penalties include a prohibition on working with and owning animals.

     official amendment document ↗
247. Amendment 247Proposal for a regulation · Article 28 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation.

     Amendment

     It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], except: (i) Article 13 from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; (ii) Article 9(2) and Article 19(1) from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; (iii) Article 12, Article 17(4) and (6), Article 19(2) and (2a), and Article 21(1) to (4a) from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; (iv) Article 7a from 6 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; and (v) Article 17(1) to (3) - in relation to dogs from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation - in relation to cats 7 years from the date of entry into force o…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
248. Amendment 248Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – introductory part
     Current text

     1. Feeding

     Amendment

     1. Feeding and watering

     official amendment document ↗
249. Amendment 249Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – introductory part
     Current text

     1.1. The operator shall implement the following feeding frequencies:

     Amendment

     1.1. Dogs and cats shall be fed at least twice per day. Puppies and kittens shall be fed more frequently. These requirements shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding purposes.

     official amendment document ↗
250. Amendment 250Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) adult cats and dogs shall be fed twice a day;

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
251. Amendment 251Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) pregnant bitches and queens shall have ad libitum access to feed;

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
252. Amendment 252Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) puppies under 8 weeks of age shall be fed at least 5 times a day;

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
253. Amendment 253Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point d
     Current text

     (d) kittens under 12 weeks of age shall be fed at least 4 times a day.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
254. Amendment 254Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.2
     Current text

     1.2. Every new-born puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum from their bitch or queen in the first two days of their lives.

     Amendment

     1.2. Each puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum during at least the first two days of its life and thereafter with milk from its mother or a lactating bitch or queen. If this is not possible, because is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring or not sufficient, the puppy or kitten shall be fed with a milk replacer designed for puppies and kittens with such feeding frequency as instructed by the producer of the replacer or by a veterinarian.

     official amendment document ↗
255. Amendment 255Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.3
     Current text

     1.3. If the bitch or the queen is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring, the operator shall provide milk from other bitches and queens at the same holding and supplementary milk formulas designed for puppies and kittens with the feeding frequency as instructed by the formula producer or a veterinarian, until weaning is completed.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
256. Amendment 256Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 1 – point 1.4
     Current text

     1.4. The operator shall ensure that all unweaned puppies and kittens are getting enough milk to steadily gain bodyweight.

     Amendment

     1.4. All unweaned puppies and kittens shall be fed enough milk, milk replacer or a combination thereof to steadily gain bodyweight.

     official amendment document ↗
257. Amendment 257Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) 10 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult dogs are kept;

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
258. Amendment 258Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) 15 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult cats are kept;

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
259. Amendment 259Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.1
     Current text

     2.2.1. Where applicable, artificial lighting shall be provided for a period at least equivalent to the period of natural light normally available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

     Amendment

     2.2.1. Dogs and cats shall be exposed to light for at least 7 hours per day.

     official amendment document ↗
260. Amendment 260Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.2
     Current text

     2.2.2. Artificial light shall be broad spectrum or full spectrum.

     Amendment

     2.2.2. Artificial light shall be broad spectrum or full spectrum with a frequency of at least 80 Hertz.

     official amendment document ↗
261. Amendment 261Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.3
     Current text

     2.2.3. The illuminance shall be at least 50 lux at the height of an animal’s head.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
262. Amendment 262Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.4
     Current text

     2.2.4. Animals shall have the possibility to stay in the dark for at least 8 hours per day.

     Amendment

     2.2.4. Dogs and cats shall have the possibility to be without artificial lights for at least 8 hours per day.

     official amendment document ↗
263. Amendment 263Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2.2 a. Dogs shall have access to an outdoor area or shall be walked daily for a minimum of 1 hour per day in total, or to allow exercise, exploration and socialisation

     official amendment document ↗
264. Amendment 264Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3
     Current text

     2.3.3. If enclosures are occupied by more than one dog or cat, operators must ensure by taking specific measures (e.g., separation panels) that these animals do not pose threat to each other due to aggressive behaviour.

     Amendment

     2.3.3. If enclosures are occupied by more than one dog or cat, operators must ensure by taking specific measures (e.g., separation panels) that these animals do not pose threat to each other due to aggressive behaviour. Member States may grant derogations from the minimum space allowances requirements set out in paragraph 2.3.1 for hunting dogs used to living in packs.

     official amendment document ↗
265. Amendment 265Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.2
     Current text

     3.2. Bitches shall only be bred if their age is at least 18 months;

     Amendment

     3.2. Bitches shall only be bred from their second oestrus;

     official amendment document ↗
266. Amendment 266Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.3
     Current text

     3.3. Operators shall allow for up to 3 litters per bitch or queen within a period of 2 years.

     Amendment

     3.3. A bitch or queen shall not deliver more than 3 litters within a period of 2 years.

     official amendment document ↗
267. Amendment 267Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4
     Current text

     3.4. After 3 consecutive litter-giving pregnancies of a bitch or a queen within a period of 2 years, operators shall ensure a recuperation period by preventing pregnancies of the bitch or queen for a period of at least 1 year.

     Amendment

     3.4. For bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns within a period of 2 years, there shall be a recuperation period of at least 1 year.

     official amendment document ↗
268. Amendment 268Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 a (new)
     Amendment

     3.4 a. Any bitch or queen that has undergone two cesarean sections shall no longer be used for breeding

     official amendment document ↗
269. Amendment 269Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 b (new)
     Amendment

     3.4 b. Before any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more, is used for breeding, it must have been physically examined by a veterinarian who confirms in writing that, at the time of the examination, there are no counter-indications to pregnancy. The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred for a period of at least 3 years

     official amendment document ↗
270. Amendment 270Proposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – point c
     Current text

     (c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and reducing frustration of animals;

     Amendment

     (c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and if possible, structures for climbing and hiding, and reducing frustration of animals;

     official amendment document ↗
271. Amendment 271Proposal for a regulation · Annex II – introductory part
     Current text

     Transponders used to mark cats and dogs as required in Article 16 shall meet the following requirements:

     Amendment

     Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:

     official amendment document ↗
272. Amendment 272Proposal for a regulation · Annex III – point 1
     Current text

     1. Number of dogs and cats microchipped per year as referred to in Article 17;

     Amendment

     1. Number of dogs and cats registered per year as referred to in Article 17 and Article 21 (4);

     official amendment document ↗
273. Amendment 273Proposal for a regulation · Annex III – point 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1a. Number of establishments registered per year in accordance with Article 7;

     official amendment document ↗
274. Amendment 274Proposal for a regulation · Annex III – point 2
     Current text

     2. Number of breeding establishment approved per year as referred to in Article 16.

     Amendment

     2. Number of breeding establishments approved per year as referred to in Article 7a.

     official amendment document ↗
275. Amendment 275Proposal for a regulation · Annex III – point 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2a. Number of breeding and selling establishments whose approval has been suspended or withdrawn per year.

     official amendment document ↗
276. Amendment 276S&DProposal for a regulation · Recital 36 a (new)
     Amendment

     (36 a) Veterinarians play a critical role in ensuring that One Health principles - which recognise the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health - are respected across the Union. Veterinarians are essential in safeguarding animal welfare standards, preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases, and identifying risks related to public health, including the management of cross-border public health threats, and biodiversity. Given their expertise, veterinarians should actively contribute to the early detection and reporting of severe cases of animal maltreatment, including neglect, abuse, and acts of violence against animals. If veterinarians identify instances of violence or…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
277. Amendment 277S&DProposal for a regulation · Article 10 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive, at least once a year, a visit by a veterinarian, for the purpose of advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare;

     Amendment

     (a) ensure that by ... [1 year after the date of application of this Regulation] or within the first year from the date of the notification of a new establishment, the establishments under their responsibility receive, at least once a year, an unannounced visit by an official veterinarian, hired by the competent authority, for the purpose of identifying and assessing any risk factor for animal welfare, advising the operator or the natural or legal person responsible for the shelter on measures to address risks for animal welfare, health and the environment and, if the findings indicate severe risk factors, a report to the competent authority in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 and a…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
278. Amendment 278RenewProposal for a regulation · Recital 24
     Current text

     (24) Well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats.

     Amendment

     (24) The Distress and suffering of dogs and cats during training activities by untrained or poorly educated handlers can have detrimental effects on the behavioural patterns of dogs and cats, with possible risks to human health and safety and the environment. Therefore, well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals, including when breeding, keeping and handling dogs intended for military, police and customs services. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they han…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
279. Amendment 279RenewProposal for a regulation · Article 27 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     Considering the administrative burden of animal shelters and organisations responsible for the management of populations of stray dogs and cats in addition to the existing economic constraints, Member States may explore the capabilities of streamlining resources recovered from infringements of this Regulation to support and cover the administrative and operational costs of shelters and organisations responsible for the management of stray populations of dogs or cats.

     official amendment document ↗
280. Amendment 280The LeftProposal for a regulation · Recital 3 a (new)
     Amendment

     (3 a) While several Member States have already introduced positive lists at national level to regulate the private ownership of animals, the absence of a common Union framework of welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of pet animal species other than dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules, leads to inconsistencies, gaps in enforcement, confusion for consumers and, often, to serious animal welfare consequences for species that are unsuitable to be kept as pets, as well as risks to biodiversity, human health and safety and nature conservation.

     official amendment document ↗
281. Amendment 281The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point a
     Current text

     (a) the welfare of dogs and cats bred or kept in establishments or placed on the Union market;

     Amendment

     (a) the welfare of dogs and cats bred, kept, handled in the Union or placed on the Union market;

     official amendment document ↗
282. Amendment 282The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.

     Amendment

     (b) minimum requirements for the traceability of dogs and cats bred or kept in the Union or placed on the Union market.

     official amendment document ↗
283. Amendment 283The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2 a. Notwithstanding paragraph 2 of this Article, the general welfare requirements laid down in Article 5, the prohibition of abandonment, cruelty, tethering and painful practices laid down, respectively, in Article 6(1a) and (1b), Article 14(3) and Article 15 shall apply to all dogs and cats in the Union held under the responsibility of natural persons.

     official amendment document ↗
284. Amendment 284The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2 b (new)
     Amendment

     2 b. Notwithstanding paragraph 2 of this Article, the requirements relating to identification and registration laid down in Article 17 shall apply to all dogs and cats held under the responsibility of natural persons.

     official amendment document ↗
285. Amendment 285The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4
     Current text

     4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained or handled in an establishment;

     Amendment

     4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which an animal is detained, handled, held or housed in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator or a natural person other than an operator;

     official amendment document ↗
286. Amendment 286The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     The general welfare requirements laid down in Article 5 and the prohibitions of abandonment, cruelty, techering and painful practices, laid down, respectively, in Article 6(1a) and (1b), Article 14(3) and Article 15 shall apply to all dogs and cats in the Union held under the responsibility of natural persons.

     official amendment document ↗
287. Amendment 287The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 6 a (new)
     Amendment

     Article6a Breeding to produce hybrids shall be prohibited.

     official amendment document ↗
288. Amendment 288The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 8 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that all the needs for its health and well-being are met at all times.

     Amendment

     “An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure its health and well-being needs are met at all times. Taking care of an animal requires financial resources. It is forbidden to abandon the animal once it is in your care."

     official amendment document ↗
289. Amendment 289The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     Keeping or selling dogs or cats in pet shops shall be prohibited.

     official amendment document ↗
290. Amendment 290The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 15 – paragraph 1
     Current text

     1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed due to a medical indication with the sole purpose of improving the health of dogs and cats. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

     Amendment

     1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, claw removal or other partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed due to a medical indication established by a veterinarian. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.

     official amendment document ↗
291. Amendment 291The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1 a. From ... [5 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all dogs kept by natural persons shall be individually identified in accordance with paragraph 1. From ... [10 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all cats kept by natural persons shall be individually identified in accordance with paragraph 1.

     official amendment document ↗
292. Amendment 292The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows the suppliers of dogs and cats to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the animal through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

     Amendment

     From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows the suppliers of dogs and cats to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the animal through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6 and enables automatic verification by the system.

     official amendment document ↗
293. Amendment 293The LeftProposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. By [15 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.

     Amendment

     2. By ... [5 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall: (a) carry out an evaluation and a review of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats; (b) carry out an assessment on the situation of stray animals; (c) establish a list of animal species allowed to be kept and placed on the market; (d) assess the potential extension of the scope of this Regulation to include other animals by amending this Regulation; (e) assess the possibility of using alternative means of identification which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder; (f) present a report on the main findings arisig from poi…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
294. Amendment 294Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
     Current text

     – breeding establishments keeping up to three bitches or queens and producing in total two litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

     Amendment

     – breeding establishments producing up to one litter per establishment and calendar year;

     official amendment document ↗
295. Amendment 295Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     – non-profit associations;

     official amendment document ↗
296. Amendment 296Proposal for a regulation · Article 8 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that all the needs for its health and well-being are met at all times.

     Amendment

     An animal is not a toy. Buying or adopting an animal is a life-changing decision and involves extra costs. As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that all the needs for its health and well-being are met at all times. Only officially recognised operators are allowed to sell or supply animals because they are able to guarantee their health and welfare. All other operators are considered to be illegal and using them would make you complicit in trafficking. Animals placed on the market by such sources can carry diseases or suffer from health problems. In accordance with the legislation in force in your country of residence, abandonment may be punished.

     official amendment document ↗
297. Amendment 297Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Recital 13
     Current text

     (13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats intended for scientific purposes should therefore be excluded from the scope of application of this Regulation. _________________ 4 Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (OJ L 276, 20.10.2010, p. 33).

     Amendment

     (13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. That Directive sets out the final goal of the ‘full replacement of procedures on live animals’ and underlines that the use of animals for such purposes should only be considered where a non-animal method is still unavailable. Where such practices continue, any dogs and cats intended for scientific purposes should nevertheless benefit from at least equal standards of welfare as applied in this Regulation, and the legislation covering their welfare should be updated accordingly. _________________ 4 Directive 2010/63…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
298. Amendment 298Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Recital 13 a (new)
     Amendment

     (13 a) Former farm animals kept in sanctuaries, as well as cats and dogs bred for scientific purposes that have been rehomed as companion animals, require dedicated caretakers, specialised knowledge, and ongoing advocacy to ensure their well-being. The Comission should assess and propose appropriate legal measures to ensure the recognition, protection and welfare of such animals.

     official amendment document ↗
299. Amendment 299Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes.

     Amendment

     deleted

     official amendment document ↗
300. Amendment 300Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Article 12 – paragraph 3 a (new)
     Amendment

     3 a. The keeping of dogs or cats in selling establishments shall be prohibited.

     official amendment document ↗
301. Amendment 301Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Article 26 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2 a. By ... [5 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall: (a) carry out an evaluation and a review of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for the breeding of dogs and cats; (b) carry out an assessment of the situation of stray animals; (c) establish a list of animal species allowed to be kept and placed on the market, where a prior impact assessment has shown its added value and feasibility; (d) assess the potential extension of the scope of this Regulation to include other animals by amending this Regulation; (e) assess the possibility of using alternative means of identification which are less invasive than the implant…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
302. Amendment 302Verts/ALEProposal for a regulation · Annex I – point 3 – point 3.2
     Current text

     3.2. Bitches shall only be bred if their age is at least 18 months;

     Amendment

     3.2. Bitches shall only be bred if their age is at least 18 months and after their second oestrus;

     official amendment document ↗
303. Amendment 303Proposal for a regulation · Article 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5
     Current text

     5. ‘placing on the market’ means the keeping of dogs and cats for the purpose of sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility for the animal, that is against consideration or at least reimbursement of the costs incurred, including the advertising of animals for the above purposes;

     Amendment

     5. ‘placing on the market’ means the sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer of ownership or responsibility, whether in return for payment or free of charge, excluding occasional and irregular donations of small numbers of dogs and cats by natural persons by means other than via the intermediation of an online platform, as well as the advertising of animals for the above purposes;

     official amendment document ↗
304. Amendment 304Proposal for a regulation · Article 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1
     Current text

     – breeding establishments keeping up to three bitches or queens and producing in total two litters or less per establishment and calendar year;

     Amendment

     – a breeding establishment where at most two litters per calendar year are produced for placing on the market shall only be subject to the obligations laid down in Article 5, Article 6(1), (1a) and (1b), Articles 6a, 7 and 8, Article 11(2), (3) and (4), Article 12(3), (4) and (7), Article 13(2), points (b), (c) and (d), Article 14(2), (3), (4) and (5a), Article 15 and Article 15a(1).

     official amendment document ↗
305. Amendment 305Proposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1 a. From ... [5 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all dogs shall be individually identified in accordance with paragraph 1. From [10 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all cats shall be individually identified in accordance with paragraph 1.

     official amendment document ↗
306. Amendment 306Proposal for a regulation · Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2
     Current text

     In case the dogs or cats entering into the Union are not yet registered in a Member State database as referred to in Article 19(1), once they arrive at their place of destination, the owner or person responsible for the animal shall ensure their registration into one of the Member States databases within 48 hours of arrival.

     Amendment

     In case the dogs or cats entering into the Union are not yet registered in a Member State database as referred to in Article 19(1), they shall be registered in the database of the Member State of entry by a veterinarian at the Union border. The registration shall be made in the name of the owner or person responsible for the animal and it shall record the establishment of origin listed in accordance with paragraph 2. Member States may allow the registration by persons other than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database.

     official amendment document ↗
307. Amendment 307ENVIProposal for a regulation · Recital 3 a (new)
     Amendment

     (3 a) While several Member States have already introduced national Positive Lists to regulate the private ownership of animals, the absence of a unified EU framework of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of pet animal species other than dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules, leads to inconsistencies, gaps in enforcement, and confusion for consumers. It has often led to serious animal welfare consequences for those species that are unsuitable to be kept as pets, as well as risks to biodiversity, human health and safety and nature conservation;

     official amendment document ↗
308. Amendment 308ENVIProposal for a regulation · Recital 3 b (new)
     Amendment

     (3 b) There have been previous calls to establish a science-based Union-wide list of animals that have been assessed as being suitable to be kept as pets, under appropriate welfare conditions, without causing harm to populations in the wild, and therefore to European biodiversity, or to human health and safety. In doing so, it is essential to ensure an assessment of the impact on animals, including their welfare, behaviour, dietary needs, and veterinary care, in order to avoid situations that could cause unnecessary suffering, inappropriate living conditions, or endangerment of species.

     official amendment document ↗
309. Amendment 309ENVIProposal for a regulation · Recital 6 a (new)
     Amendment

     (6 a) This Regulation introduces mandatory registration, reinforced controls on online sales, and enhanced traceability of dogs and cats, with transition periods of up to 10 years in order to allow the relevant authorities to prepare. It further stresses the importance of Union-wide standards for responsible breeding to prevent detrimental health and welfare impacts on dogs and cats. This Regulation addresses these issues by establishing clear welfare requirements and ensuring that breeding practices uphold the highest standards.

     official amendment document ↗
310. Amendment 310ENVIProposal for a regulation · Recital 14
     Current text

     (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the practical difficulties in certain cases to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt from certain obligations pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold. Otherwise, those pet owners would be subject to the relevant requirements of this Regulation, which would not be proportionate.

     Amendment

     (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. Considering the health risks associated with overcrowding, poor hygiene, and inadequate veterinary care, and the practical difficulties, in certain cases, to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should not exempt from certain obligations pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold.

     official amendment document ↗
311. Amendment 311ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point b
     Current text

     (b) the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.

     Amendment

     (b) the traceability of dogs and cats bred or kept in the Union or placed on the Union market.

     official amendment document ↗
312. Amendment 312ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 2 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes.

     Amendment

     2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes or for clinical trials required for marketing authorisation to be granted in respect of human or veterinary medicinal products.

     official amendment document ↗
313. Amendment 313ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 1 – point 1
     Amendment

     (1) From ... [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all dogs kept shall be individually identified in accordance with subparagraph 1. From ... [10 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], all cats kept shall be individually identified in accordance with subparagraph 1.

     official amendment document ↗
314. Amendment 314ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 2
     Current text

     2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall be registered by the veterinarian, or an assistant under the responsibility of the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. For dogs and cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the owner of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs and cats kept in shelters , the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the shelter. For natural persons intending to supply a dog or a cat in the Union, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. Any subsequent…

     Amendment

     2. From [3 years from the date of entry into force], dogs and cats identified in accordance with paragraph 1 shall within 7 days from their identification, be registered by a veterinarian in a national database referred to in Article 19. Where possible, the national database shall include the lineage of dogs and cats for a minimum of five generations. For dogs or cats kept in breeding establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the breeding establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For dogs or cats kept in shelters, foster homes or pounds, the registration shall be made in the name of the person responsible of the establishment. For natural persons,…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
315. Amendment 315ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1
     Current text

     From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows the suppliers of dogs and cats to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the animal through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.

     Amendment

     From [5 years from the date of entry into force], providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that allows natural or legal persons placing dogs and cats on the market to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner and without imposing an administrative burden on them, of the identification and registration of the dog or cat. This information shall be verified through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6. The sale shall be conditional upon a positive result from the automated check performed by the system re…

     Excerpt — full text in the official PDF.
     official amendment document ↗
316. Amendment 316ENVIProposal for a regulation · Article 19 – paragraph 2 a (new)
     Amendment

     2 a. The Commission and the competent authorities of Member States shall co-operate to establish and maintain a publicly accessible database of animal shelter establishments across the Union, ensuring transparency and accountability in the adherence to animal welfare law.

     official amendment document ↗
317. Amendment 317AGRIProposal for a regulation

     Replaces or inserts a longer passage — full text in the official document.

     official amendment document ↗
318. Amendment 318AGRIDraft legislative resolution · Paragraph 1 a (new)
     Amendment

     1a. Takes note of the statements by the Commission annexed to this resolution, which will be published in the C series of the Official Journal of the European Union;

     official amendment document ↗