Brussels, 11/06/2013 (Agence Europe) - Travelling across Europe with pets will become simpler when the journeys are not for commercial purposes, thanks to the legislation adopted without debate by the Council of Ministers of the European Union on Monday 10 June. The ratified legislation follows on from the agreement with the European Parliament in May on the new rules on the non-commercial movement of pets (see EUROPE 10851). It comprises a regulation on the non-commercial movement of pets and a directive on animal health conditions governing trade in and imports into the European Union of dogs, cats and ferrets.
The new legislation provides for clearer rules on pet passports and vaccinations against rabies. Young animals from 12-16 weeks that have been vaccinated, but are still not immune, will thus be authorised to travel. “Cats, dogs and ferrets - which are susceptible to rabies - accompanying their owners can move if they are clearly identified, and accompanied by an identification document (“passport”) proving they have been vaccinated against rabies”, explains a Council press release. The identification documents will have to be issued by an authorised veterinarian and will have to include the identification number, anti-rabies vaccination details and other information on the animal's health status. Since July 2011, electronic tagging has been the only officially approved means of marking pet dogs, cats and ferrets (which can carry the rabies virus). However, a clearly readable tattoo before that date will still be considered valid.
Owners will also be able to travel with more than five animals - which has until now been forbidden in order to prevent abuse for trade purposes. From now on a derogation will be possible if the owners can prove that they are taking parting with their animal in a competition, an exhibition or a festive or sporting event (for example, with a team of sledge dogs).
The new legislation will be applied 18 months after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU. (LC/transl.fl)