Chip. Track. Protect.
A big victory for animals!
The European Parliament voted for new standards for the protection of dogs and cats: mandatory chipping, registration and a ban on sale in pet stores! 457 votes "FOR" is a historic step! PO SVBO, as an associate member of FECAVA, together with FVE fought for these changes. For Ukraine, this is a chance to make the lives of our pets better!
Voting context June 16, 2025 - The European Parliament has approved a bill that establishes the first-ever EU minimum standards for the welfare and tracing of dogs and cats. The decision was supported by 457 MEPs, 17 voted against, and 86 abstained (European Parliament - News).
The draft law, proposed by the European Commission on 7 December 2023, responds to the growth of the pet trade (€1.3 billion annually, 60% of which is online sales) and the lack of uniform standards across EU countries (European Commission - Welfare of dogs and cats).
Main provisions:
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Mandatory microchipping and registration of dogs and cats in national databases compatible between EU countries.
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Ban on the sale of animals in pet shops.
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Standards for kennels: ban on inbreeding, breeding of brachycephalic breeds, limitation of the frequency of reproduction of females (maximum one litter every 18 months).
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Prohibition of tying animals (except for medical reasons) and the use of spiked collars.
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Prohibition of participation of animals with extreme characteristics in exhibitions or competitions.
These measures are aimed at combating illegal trade, improving conditions of detention and ensuring market transparency.
Role of organizations:
FVE (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe): Represents veterinarians from 38 countries, advocates for high standards of animal welfare (FVE - Home). FVE has actively lobbied for these standards, in particular through requirements for veterinary supervision and microchipping.
FECAVA (Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations): Brings together veterinary associations specialising in companion animals (FECAVA - Home). FECAVA, together with FVE, has been calling for EU legislation on animal identification and registration for years (FVE - Parliament adopts its position).
PO "SVBO" (Ukrainian Public Organization "Society of Veterinary Business Owners"): Associated member of FECAVA, actively working on animal welfare in Ukraine. Through the #SaveVets_SafePets project, the organization has sterilized over 7,000 animals, providing chipping and vaccination (UACBBC - Project #SaveVets_SafePets).
Importance for Ukraine: Ukraine, as a candidate for EU membership, must harmonize its legislation with European standards.
The new standards have the following implications:
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Harmonization of legislation: The introduction of microchipping and registration, as in the #SaveVets_SafePets project, can become the basis for compliance with EU standards.
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Combating illegal trade: Ukraine faces the problem of illegal animal trafficking.
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European traceability standards will help reduce this risk (FOUR PAWS - New rules for the welfare of cats and dogs).
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Improving animal welfare: The war has led to an increase in the number of homeless animals.
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Standards for kennels and veterinary supervision can improve the situation (Eurogroup for Animals - Humane management in Ukraine).
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International reputation: Animal protection improves Ukraine's image, attracting investors and tourists.
74% of Europeans support better animal protection (European Commission - Animal Welfare).
