Brussels, 23/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 23 May, the European Parliament approved new rules on the non-commercial transport of pets, adopting (by 592 votes in favour, seven against and four abstentions) the reports of Horst Schnellhardt (EPP, Germany) which provide a synopsis of the agreement between institutions on this issue (regulation on non-commercial movement of pets, and directive on animal health conditions governing the import of dogs, cats and ferrets into the EU). The new legislation will be applied 18 months after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Owners of dogs, cats or ferrets will have to ensure that the anti-rabies vaccination of their animal is still valid. Young animals between 12 and 16 weeks that have been vaccinated against rabies, but have yet to achieve immunity, will be authorised to travel.
“There are 64 million cats and 66 million dogs in the EU. One household in four has a pet. In future, travelling across borders with pets will involve far less administrative hassle. We have eased the rules and this should have a direct impact on citizens”, said the rapporteur, Schnellhardt.
A maximum of five pets. According to the rules in force, owners cannot travel with more than five pets at one time. The objective of this restriction is to prevent any abuse of the rules for commercial purposes. From now on, a derogation is possible if the owners can prove that they are taking part in a competition, show, sporting or other recreational event (for example, with a team of sled dogs).
Identification documents. The new legislation provides for clearer rules on pet passports and anti-rabies vaccination. Identification documents will have to be issued by an authorised veterinarian and will have to include the transponder code, details on anti-rabies vaccination and other information on the animal's health. Since July 2011, electronic tagging has been the approved means of identifying pet dogs, cats and ferrets (which can carry the rabies virus). However, a clearly readable tattoo applied before this date still remains valid. (LC/transl.fl)