The first European rules on the breeding and traceability of dogs and cats have been approved. The European Parliament has approved a regulation requiring microchip identification and registration in interoperable national databases for all pets in the Union. The text, the result of an agreement with member states, passed with 558 votes in favor, 35 against, and 52 abstentions . Now, only formal adoption by the Council of the European Union is needed before it enters into force .

The new rules provide for different compliance periods: four years for sellers, breeders, and shelters; longer for owners, with the obligation kicking in after 10 years for dogs and 15 for cats.

Among the main changes are a ban on mating between inbred animals , breeding that favors traits harmful to health , and mutilations for aesthetic or sporting purposes (such as docking dogs' ears and tails). The rules will also apply to animals imported from third countries, which must be microchipped before entering the EU. Furthermore, those arriving from abroad will be required to pre-register their pet in a database at least five working days before arrival.

(Unioneonline)

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