Party for the Animals’ plan for pets registration in the making
One single European system for the compulsory registration of dogs, cats and other pets in Europe seems imminent. The Party for the Animals’ proposal to better link the existing databases in different EU countries was backed by the European Parliament. This should make it easier to tackle the illegal trade in puppies and other pets.
“Various investigations have shown that the illegal trade in pets across Europe has drastically increased. This leads to great welfare problems. Young animals are taken from their mother too young, are not getting vaccinated and are transported under bad circumstances. They display behavioural problems, become ill and often die at a young age as a result. This is not only bad for the pet, but can also affect the health of its owner,” according to MEP Anja Hazekamp.
Traceability
Many EU countries are already registering information on pets. But it is still complicated to obtain information on a pet that is registered in a different country. “Animals that cross the border are often hard to trace as a result,” says Hazekamp. “Information on, for example, the origin, the age and the vaccinations given to a pet must always be at hand. Also if the pets come from a different country. This will make it more difficult for criminals to falsify documents and can help to fight the illegal trade of pets,” says Hazekamp.
The European Commission has indicated that it is in favour of such European registration system. It has the authority to actually implement the plan.