The draft legislation, which has been agreed upon by EU Parliament representatives, introduces sweeping identification and registration measures for animals involved in commercial transactions.
Mandatory Microchipping for All Commercially Traded Pets
Under the proposed regulation, all dogs and cats offered for sale or adoption—whether by breeders, dealers, shelters, or online platforms—must be microchipped. This requirement will ensure that each animal can be uniquely identified. Furthermore, these pets must be registered in national databases that are interoperable across the EU, enabling seamless tracking and oversight.
Tightened Controls on Imports from Non-EU Countries
The regulation also introduces stringent rules for animals entering the EU from third countries. Imported dogs and cats must be microchipped before entry and registered in a national database within two working days of crossing the border. These requirements apply regardless of whether the animals are brought in by breeders or commercial sellers.
Crackdown on Puppy Mills and Inhumane Breeding Practices
A key objective of the legislation is to crack down on large-scale breeding operations—often referred to as “puppy mills”—where animals are bred under poor and unethical conditions. Such facilities, frequently located in countries like Romania, have supplied pets to Western European markets, including Germany. Illegal transports are commonly intercepted on highways or during routine checks in regions such as Bavaria.
Online Sales Under Scrutiny
One of the biggest challenges in regulating the pet trade is the online marketplace, which now accounts for approximately two-thirds of all dog and cat sales in the EU. The new regulation aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to this largely unregulated channel, which has become a hub for illicit trade.
Limited Obligations for Private Pet Owners
Private individuals are largely exempt from the regulation, with one key condition: those who offer litters for adoption no more than once every 18 months are not required to register their animals in the central database. Commercial sellers, by contrast, must register pets no later than five working days before the transfer or arrival of the animals.
Germany Reports Hundreds of Cases, True Numbers Likely Higher
According to the German Animal Welfare Federation, there have been 224 documented cases of illegal pet trade in Germany in 2024 alone, involving at least 991 animals. Among these were 515 dogs and 66 cats, many of them purebred. Experts warn that the actual figures are likely much higher due to undetected or unreported cases.
Regulation Awaits Formal Approval
Before the new regulation can take effect, it must still be formally adopted by both the European Parliament and the Council representing the 27 EU member states. Nevertheless, the agreement marks a significant step toward strengthening animal protection laws across Europe and dismantling illegal trade networks that profit from animal suffering.
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