Almo Nature proposes amendments to EU pet traceability regulation

Almo Nature submitted a series of amendments to the European Commission’s regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats, which was presented in December 2023. 

The proposed bill is now in the amendment stage, where members of the European Parliament (MEPs) can suggest changes to the initial draft. The Genoa-headquartered pet company, owned by Fondazione Capellino, believes that the regulation “could be” revolutionary but called on MEPs to further protect pets.

“These shortcomings in the proposed legislative revision must be addressed in order to ensure an acceptable level of animal welfare for dogs and cats living in the EU,” the company says in a statement.

The EU’s member states have a wide variety of separate laws and regulations regarding animal welfare, creating inconsistencies across the Union. The proposal, titled “Regulation on the Welfare of Dogs and Cats, and their Traceability,” comes as Europe’s pet market has grown over the years.

What’s in the regulation?

The legislation would require the microchipping of dogs and cats sold commercially. The regulation suggests this will reduce fraud, protect consumers and combat “a wide range of illicit activities.” However, the regulation would not apply to low-capacity breeders or pet shops.

It would also establish pet housing requirements in breeding establishments, with space and treatment requirements designed to improve pet welfare. Breeding standards would also limit the number of litters an animal can have in a year and prohibit mutilations and inbreeding.

New proposals

Almo Nature requested mandatory microchipping and registration of all cats and dogs across the EU, not just those sold commercially or bred by large breeders. The company says this would help limit trafficking and help owners find lost pets.

“Dogs and cats bred in small establishments are exposed to animal welfare risks to the same extent as dogs and cats bred in larger establishments,” reads the proposal. “It is therefore necessary to subject small establishments to the same regulatory requirements as larger establishments.”

Currently, the regulation’s wording around breeding welfare has a specific carveout to allow brachycephalic dogs and cats. Almo Nature proposed a specific ban on these breeds, which often experience health problems associated with their breathing.

The group also suggested that MEPs agree on minimum criminal penalties for those who violate the new regulation.