Brussels, 25/02/2016 (Agence Europe) - By adopting a common resolution from the EPP, S & D, ECR, ALDE, GUE/NGL, Greens/EFA on the introduction of compatible systems for the registration of pet animals across member states, the European Parliament is effectively calling for a toughening up in the measures for tackling the illegal trade in cats and dogs.
The EP indicates that the cats and dogs traded illegally are often “badly bred, poorly socialised and at increased risk of disease”. 70 % of the new diseases that have emerged in humans over recent decades are of animal origin.
The EP notes that European rules for the identification and registration requirements for dogs and cats would reduce the scope for document falsification and illegal trading, thus improving animal welfare, protecting public and animal health and providing for effective intra-Union traceability. The EP is calling on the Commission, upon the entry into force of the Regulation on Transmissible Animal Diseases (Animal Health Law), to adopt a delegated act concerning “detailed, compatible systems” for the means and methods of identification and registration of dogs and cats. This would help reduce the scope for document falsification and illegal trading, thus improving animal welfare, protecting public and animal health and providing for effective intra-Union traceability. The Commission is urged to publish without delay the conclusions of the study on the welfare of dogs and cats involved in commercial practices. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)