Text · Comparison of two versions
Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report
AGRI-PR-766982 → A-10-2025-0104
- From
- AGRI-PR-766982 report parliamentary committee draft of 10 Jan 2025
- To
- A-10-2025-0104 Plenary report of 10 Jun 2025
- Changes
- 106 changes to the text
- Paragraphs
- +148 added · −62 removed · 64 changed
More facts (3)
- Dossier
- 2023/0447(COD)
- Title (from)
- on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability
- Title (to)
- on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability
AI: What changed, in short Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
The scope narrows: pet shops are no longer banned, but small breeders and foster homes are exempted, and agricultural holdings are excluded.12611 Traceability rules tighten: identification deadlines shorten, registration after import is faster, and databases interconnect.699188 Welfare rules expand: detailed feeding, housing, and health requirements are added, and mutilations are restricted further.454959 Enforcement strengthens: breeding establishments need approval, penalties increase, and national campaigns are encouraged.399687 The other changes are formal or wording: definitions clarified, cross-references updated, and typos fixed.691424
The notes class 82 changes as substance, 9 as formal, 9 as wording only; 6 smaller changes were not described.
Changes that matter, 106
Changes to the text in document order — the ones the change notes describe. Cover page, renumbering and punctuation-only edits are left out (see “Every difference”); changes to citations and references stay in and are marked as formal in the notes.
Change 1
RemovedRecital 14: (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, in some cases this could result in significant costs for the operators. The potential risk of welfare problems grows the greater the number of dogs or cats bred or kept at an establishment. It is therefore appropriate, in the interests of proportionality, to distinguish between establishments of different sizes. On the one hand, all establishments, irrespective of the number of litters bred or the number of dogs or cats kept, should be subject to the general welfare principles and requirements. On the other hand, only establishments keeping or placing on the market a certain number of dogs or cats should be subject to more comprehensive and detailed welfare obligations. This approach takes into account the financial burden resulting from compliance with the more comprehensive and detailed welfare requirements, such as costly structural investments. However, occasional and irregular donations of small numbers of dogs and cats by natural persons other than operators, should be excluded from the scope of this Regulation.
AddedRecital 1: (1) Live animals, including cats and dogs are covered by Annex I to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, form part of the common agricultural policy of the Union and their welfare should be protected. There is a market for these animals in the Union, including substantial cross-border trade. Many Member States are signatories to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. There is a wide range of evidence of sub-optimal functioning of the internal market for dogs and cats in the Union as well as of illegal trade in these animals within the Union and at import into the Union. Therefore, considering the findings on animals, which recognise their capacity for emotions, pain and social interactions,it is necessary to establish minimum requirements for the welfare of dogs and cats that are bred and kept in establishments, as well as strengthened requirements regarding the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market.
RemovedRecital 15: (15) Thresholds for detailed animal welfare rules should be set for breeding establishments, shelters and foster homes. Even if the breeding activities take place in households, as is often the case for different kinds of commercial breeders, all rules for animal welfare of this Regulation should apply once those thresholds are reached. Considering the exclusively commercial nature of selling establishments, it is not necessary to set thresholds. The requirements of this Regulation should apply to all selling establishments, regardless of the number of dogs or cats kept.
AddedRecital 2: (2) Dogs and cats, with its own unique biological and behavioural needs, are traded and kept as pets in the Union. The absence of Union welfare provisions on breeding, keeping and placing on the market of dogs and cats, as well as divergent national rules where they exist, have very often sometimes led to and to those animals being born, bred and sold or adopted at no cost, in circumstances and to serious consequences detrimental to their welfare. Competition between commercial breeders of dogs and cats in different Member States is not conducted on a level playing field because animal welfare conditions are one of the main elements of the competitiveness of these operators and they differ considerably between Member States. As a consequence, competition is distorted, especially for high standards breeders and keepers, which are unable to monetise their investments into animal welfare when they trade cross border because they are confronted with operators that profit from sub-standard animal welfare conditions to exert competition and drive prices and standards down.
RemovedRecital 17: (17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carry out different types of activities with respect to the placing on the market of dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are selling establishments where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept or brought together for sale or collection. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that selling establishments are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.
AddedRecital 3: (3) Also, consumers are insufficiently protected as they are often confronted, when acquiring a dog or a cat, with the negative consequences of the poor welfare conditions in which the animals have been bred and kept in the establishments, such as health problems, behavioural problems or genetic defects of the dog or cat purchased or acquired. To support informed consumer choices and promote compliance with Union rules, it is essential to inform the public and raise awareness of the difference between responsible and non-compliant or unlawful breeding practices.
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RemovedRecital 17 a (new): (17a) Pet shops cannot provide a suitable environment that ensures the welfare of dogs and cats the based on the concept of “five domains” (nutrition, physical environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state). The lack of a suitable environment has an extremely negative effect on their mental state, particularly in terms of the distress caused by living in a restrained environment (display enclosures) where animals of different species are kept in restricted conditions that limit their socialisation and exercise. Therefore, the placing on the Union market of dogs and cats by pet shops should be prohibited.
AddedRecital 4 a (new): (4a) Cooperation between Member States should be enhanced in order to identify illegal breeding establishments, dismantle associated networks, and ensure effective enforcement of applicable rules. Strengthening cross-border collaboration, information exchange and coordinated inspections is essential to address the transnational nature of certain illegal activities and to protect animal welfare and consumer interests across the Union.
RemovedRecital 18 a (new): (18a) For the purpose of regulating overpopulation of stray and feral cats, local or regional authorities should be encouraged to adopt animal control programmes where cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be neutered and vaccinated. After recovery, the cats should be returned to their outdoor colony or their home, , or placed in an animal shelter for re-homing.
AddedRecital 4 b (new): (4b) The number of companion animals in the Union has increased significantly over recent years, reflecting the strong attachment of Union citizens to the welfare of dogs and cats. In light of developments in animal welfare science, the Union and its Member States should be encouraged to promote a legal approach that reflects not only the status of animals as property, but also the ethical responsibility of humans towards their welfare and protection.
RemovedRecital 19 a (new): (19a) Member States have observed the increasing use of foster homes by operators responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats . Given that the number of dogs and cats kept in foster homes may impact the market of dogs and cats, foster homes should be covered by this Regulation. In such cases, the operators placing the dogs or cats in foster homes should be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this Regulation are met in those foster homes. This could be achieved inter alia through a contractual relationship between the operator and the foster family.
AddedRecital 6: (6) Illegal trade of dogs and cats has developed in part due to lack of traceability of these animals to the original litter and to consumers’ enthusiasm for these animals, facilitated by the development of online purchasing. In turn, illegal trade practices are associated with suffering of dogs and cats subject to uncontrolled breeding practices. It is not possible to ensure that operators abide by the same standards of animal welfare, and to ensure uniform conditions of competition in the internal market in relation to the placing on the market of dogs and cats without reliable means to trace the animals to their origin. It is therefore crucial to ensure the traceability of dogs and cats by a system that identifies and registers dogs and cats before their first placing on the Union market as well as each time there is a change of ownership of the animals.
AddedRecital 7: (7) Illegal trade in cats and dogs from outside the EU has been increasing. Current EU rules on the movements of dogs and cats into the EU, such as the provisions of Regulation 576/2013 and of the Animal Health Law, do not contain sufficient tools to prevent this illegal trade. This means that additional rules to fight illegal trade in dogs and cats are required. Existing animal health rules require that, both for commercial and non-commercial movement of dogs and cats entering into the Union, the animals must be identified with a microchip. To reinforce these traceability provisions, the owners or persons responsible for dogs and cats entering into the Union should ensure their registration in one of the Member States’ databases at the place of destination. This will provide for greater control on the movements of those animals.
AddedRecital 8: (8) The traceability provisions of this proposal also contribute to the protection of public health via better animal welfare, better animal health, and better controls on the possible transmission of animal diseases (some of which being of zoonotic nature, some of which transmitting to wildlife, this following a One Health approach.
AddedRecital 8 a (new): (8a) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 of the European Parliament and of the Council 54 regulates transmissible animal diseases for the purpose of avoiding the spread of such diseases in the Union. The health of animals is one of the five domains of animal welfare, and thus addressed in this Regulation. However, this Regulation does not address the diseases listed in Regulation (EU) 2016/429, but rather the state of health of dogs and cats as shaped by non-communicable diseases (for example injuries) or non-listed diseases (for example certain parasites). The rules laid down in this Regulation are therefore complementary to Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and do not duplicate or overlap with the rules laid down in that Regulation.
AddedRecital 10: (10) Regulation (EU) 2016/429 requires the identification of dogs and cats with a transponder but only if they are subject to movements between Member States entered into the Union. The identification required by that Regulation is not fully harmonised as it does not include precise standards regarding transponders. Furthermore, that Regulation does not require Member States to keep databases of dogs and cats. Therefore, Member States should be required to establish and maintain databases of dogs and cats placed on the Union market to ensure the traceability of these animals. It is also necessary to ensure the interoperability of these databases. This will facilitate finding information on dogs and cats across the Union, as well as enable competent authorities to carry out official controls to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules.
AddedRecital 11: (11) The placing on the market of dogs and cats, whether for profit or at no cost, has an impact on the internal market. Therefore, to prevent fraud, traceability of all animals traded in the Union market should be ensured and the keeping of animals in breeding and selling establishments, pet foster homes or animal shelters should be subject to detailed rules. The military, police or customs that breed or keep dogs for their own services’ use are not in such situation as they do not carry out their breeding or keeping activities for the market.
AddedRecital 11 a (new): (11a) The occasional supply of puppies and kittens by their owners who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship and without any commercial intent or purpose, does not have a significant impact on the internal market and it is therefore justified to exclude such supply activities from the scope of application of this Regulation .
AddedRecital 13: (13) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council4 regulates the keeping, breeding and supply of animals kept for scientific purposes including dogs and cats. Regulation (EU) 2019/6 of the European Parliament and of the Council regulates clinical trials for veterinary medicinal products involving the use of animals, including dogs and cats. Dogs and cats intended or used for scientific purposes as well as dogs and cats used in clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products should therefore be excluded from the scope of application of this Regulation
AddedRecital 14: (14) A large number of dogs and cats will be covered by detailed welfare rules for the first time, which will allow them to benefit from better living conditions. However, considering the practical difficulties in certain cases to determine whether dogs and cats are kept as pets or used for agricultural purposes, such as herding, guarding livestock, farm protection, or for placing on the market or supply, this Regulation should exempt pet owners who keep a number of dogs and cats and produce a number of litters below a certain threshold. Otherwise, those pet owners would be subject to the relevant requirements of this Regulation, which would not be proportionate. Stray cats that roam freely and that keep rodent populations in check, have long been part of this rural balance and serve a functional and symbiotic role on agricultural holdings. Rural and remote areas, where access to veterinary services and compliance infrastructure may be limited, as well as the need to avoid imposing a disproportionate burden on farmers and small-scale breeders, should be duly taken into account.
AddedRecital 17: (17) Moreover, in the Union market different types of operators carrying out different types of activities with respect to the placing on the market of dogs and cats. Aside from commercial breeders there are selling establishments where dogs and cats, that are typically born and bred in other establishments, are kept for sale. The protection of these animals may be suboptimal, and there are no common welfare standards that need to be observed in these establishments. Given that selling establishments are commercial operators that place on the market dogs and cats, it is therefore necessary to apply the requirements of this Regulation to these establishments.
AddedRecital 19: (19) Despite the differences in the activities carried out by commercial breeders and selling establishments, on the one hand, and animal shelters, on the other, they all place dogs and cats in the Union market and there is a certain amount of overlap, especially at the level of the demand. When looking for a dog or cat, consumers make choices between buying an animal from a breeder (either directly or through a selling establishment or intermediary), or adopting one from a shelter. The acquisition of dogs or cats directly from pet owners is marginal. One important factor in the choice of a dog or a cat is the possible behavioural or other problems that the animal may exhibit because of having been kept in poor welfare conditions and which may reduce their suitability to be kept as a pet animal, irrespective of whether the animal has been kept in a commercial breeding establishment, in a selling establishment or in a shelter. Moreover, given that trade is also conducted by intermediaries and mostly online, consumers may not be aware before they acquire a dog or a cat of whether the animal originates from a shelter, a breeder or a selling establishment. Providing such information could assist buyers in making informed and responsible choices. There is evidence that the number of animals placed on the Union market by shelters is significant, in particular for cats. There is also evidence that animals are placed on from shelters in some Member States to prospective pet owners in…
AddedRecital 19 a (new): (19a) Member States have observed the increasing use of foster homes by operators responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats . Given that the number of dogs and cats kept in foster homes may impact the market of dogs and cats, foster homes should be covered by this Regulation. In such cases, the operators placing the dogs or cats in foster homes should be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of this Regulation are met in those foster homes. This could be achieved inter alia through the establishment of a contractual relationship between the operator and the foster family.
AddedRecital 20: (20) In addition, given the significant numbers of animals placed on market inthe Union by shelters, and the need to ensure the achievement of the objectives of this Regulation regarding traceability and prevention of illegal trade, shelters should also be subject to the requirements of this Regulation concerning identification and registration of dogs and cats, regardless of whether or not their activity can be considered economic in nature. Operators responsible for shelters should be encouraged to take appropriate measures to prevent reproduction of the dogs or catskept in shelters.
AI: Note on change 1 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Replaces recitals on scope and thresholds with new recitals on market context, illegal trade, and exclusions for pet owners and agricultural holdings.
Change 2
RemovedRecital 25: (25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Establishments keeping a number of dogs and cats that exceeds a certain threshold should therefore receive an advisory animal welfare visit from a veterinarian within the first year of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment.
AddedRecital 24: (24) Well trained and skilled staff are essential for improving the welfare conditions of animals. Competencies in animal welfare require knowledge of the basic behavioural patterns and needs of the species concerned. Animal caretakers should have the competencies in animal welfare relevant to their tasks and the animals they handle, in order to avoid inflicting pain, distress and suffering on dogs and cats. Animal caretakers should update their competences through training programmes.
AddedRecital 25: (25) Given the fact that animal welfare includes the health of animals, veterinarians are in the best position to provide advice to operators with a view to improving the animal welfare situation in establishments. Veterinarians should play an active role in raising awareness on the interrelationship between the health and welfare of those animals. Establishments keeping a number of dogs and cats that exceeds a certain threshold dogs and cats should therefore receive an animal welfare visit from a veterinarian within the first year of application of this Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place when appropriate, based on a risk analysis by the competent authorities.
AddedRecital 25 a (new): (25a) In order to ensure high level of animal welfare veterinarians maintain an appropriate degree of professional independence from the operator, as well as comprehensive education and ongoing training to stay abreast of scientific and professional advances. This training may, as appropriate, also encompass elements related to recognising instances of violence and animal abuse .
AddedRecital 25 b (new): (25b) Where veterinarians encounter circumstances during their animal health and welfare visits that could seriously affect the welfare of dogs or cats, they are encouraged, where appropriate, to notify the relevant authorities or to consider conducting a follow-up visit to assess the situation.
AddedRecital 25 c (new): (25c) Ending the life of dogs and cats should preferably be assisted by a veterinarian using methods that minimise pain and distress. In exceptional cases, such as when a hunting or livestock guardian dog is severely injured in a remote location where veterinary help is not accessible, other methods may be used, provided they minimise suffering to the greatest extent possible.
AI: Note on change 2 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recitals on staff training, veterinarian visits, professional independence, and euthanasia methods.
Change 3
RemovedRecital 33: (33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should not be bred before reaching appropriate maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three pregnancies within a period of 2 years should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period. Reproduction should cease in bitches and queens coming into older age and in bitches and queens that have had two cesarean sections, as it cannot be excluded that an additional pregnancy will have a negative effect on their welfare.
AddedRecital 29 a (new): (29a) Scientific evidence confirms that consistent access to adequate nutrition and hydration is fundamental for the welfare of dogs and cats. It is therefore appropriate to lay down minimum requirements for operators in this respect. Feeding and drinking facilities should be kept clean, and designed, constructed and installed in such a way as to ensure equal access for all animals, thus minimising competition and avoiding agonistic behaviour. Such facilities should also be designed to minimise spillage, prevent contamination of feed and water with harmful substances, and avoid any risk of harm to dogs and cats.
RemovedRecital 37: (37) Prior inspection by official veterinarians or other professionals, in case the official control task has been delegated, and consequent approval of establishments is an effective way to ensure that establishments comply with the requirements of this Regulation. However, given that inspections should be focused on establishments representing a higher risk from the point of view of animal welfare, and given the limited availability of official veterinarians in Member States, it is not proportionate to require prior on-site inspection and approval for all establishments. The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly bred, kept and treated before being placed on the market, in particular due to the consequences that poor animal welfare conditions at an early age can have for dogs and cats. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of the breeding establishments and thus to strengthen public control and citizens' awareness.
AddedRecital 30: (30) Scientific evidence is clear about the necessity for dogs and cats of having enough space to express their natural behaviour and having normal social interactions. This is not possible where animals are kept in confinement and in containers for long periods. The keeping of dogs and cats in containers for long periods should therefore be prohibited, except if needed for the transport and temporary, short term isolation of individual dogs and or cats and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, for puppies or kittens with reduced thermoregulation capacity or puppies or kittens together with their mothers provided that stress is minimised and suffering due to extreme temperatures is avoided and the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.
AddedRecital 33: (33) To prevent pregnancy complications and compromising their welfare, bitches and queens should not be bred before reaching appropriate maturity. To allow them to physically recuperate from pregnancy and lactation, bitches and queens should only be readmitted to reproduction after a sufficient period of time. However, to prevent certain pathological reproductive conditions in bitches and queens, such as pyometra, up to three pregnancies litters within a period of 2 years should be allowed, followed by an adequate recuperation period, which should not be less of 1 year for bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns, within a period of 2 years. Reproduction should cease in bitches and queens coming into older age and in bitches and queens that have had two cesarean sections, as it cannot be excluded that an additional pregnancy will have a negative effect on their welfare. All females used for reproduction should be regularly monitored by a veterinarian.
AddedRecital 34 a (new): (34a) Member States should lay down rules on effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions for non-compliance with this Regulation, including cases of abandonment of dogs and cats by operators. Breeding establishments that engage in abusive practices compromising animal welfare should, in particular, be subject to strong and dissuasive penalties. Such practices should be unequivocally condemned, and responsible persons should be prevented from continuing their activities in any Member State. Competent authorities should ensure that animals kept in such establishments are promptly removed and provided with appropriate care and protection.
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AddedRecital 36: (36) Procedures with the purpose of altering the appearance of or preventing certain behaviours of cats and dogs, such as ear cropping, tail docking, removal of claws and resection of vocal cords, have a serious negative impact on the welfare of cats and dogs. These procedures cause pain and prevent cats and dogs from expressing innate behaviours. For this reason, they should can only be allowed if performed by a veterinarian and only when necessary for medical reasons. However, for certain breeds, f.e. for hunting dogs, such procedures could be allowed for prophylactic, diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons, and only if carried out by a veterinarian. In specific contexts and regions of Europe, tail docking may also be justified to prevent tail injuries, provided it is based on a full and thorough medical evaluation.
AddedRecital 36 a (new): (36a) Dogs used in the military, police and customs services normally undergo a very specific type of training to be prepared in the interest of national security. In order to have the possibility to attain the training deemed most appropriate, Member States should be able to grant derogations for dogs kept in breeding or selling establishments which are destined to be military, police or custom dogs
AddedRecital 37: (37) Prior inspection of establishments by official veterinarians or other professionals, in case the official control task has been delegated, and consequent approval of establishments is an effective way to ensure that establishments comply with the requirements of this Regulation. However, given the limited availability of official veterinarians in Member States, it is not proportionate to require prior on-site inspection and approval for all establishments so that official veterinarians should focus on establishments representing a higher risk from the point of view of animal welfare. The conditions in breeding establishments are particularly critical to ensure that dogs and cats are properly bred, kept and treated before being placed on the market, in particular due to the consequences that poor animal welfare conditions at an early age can have for dogs and cats. It is therefore important that those establishments are approved by the competent authorities and are subject to onsite pre-inspection before their approval. It is also important that a list of those approved establishments is publicly available to allow potential buyers to verify the status of the breeding establishments and thus to strengthen public control and citizens' awareness
AddedRecital 38: (38) Some operators placing on the market dogs and cats encourage potential customers to buy at any cost using emotional arguments, without mentioning to the potential owner the consequences of owning a pet animal. Other operators or shelters insist on the responsibility attached to pet ownership and this has the effect of limiting their ability to sell animals. This discrepancy of attitudes of operators tends to advantage less responsible operators, leading to distortions of competition despite the importance for animal welfare and public order of informing customers about their responsibility when buying a dog or a cat. It is therefore justified to require that all operators placing of dogs and cats in the Union market for use as pets inform future owners on their responsibility. In addition, where the placing on the market of a dog or cat is facilitated by online means, an appropriate warning should accompany the online advertisement to efficiently convey the message of responsible ownership.
AddedRecital 39: (39) Illegal trafficking and fraudulent practices in relation to the sale or transfer of dogs and cats for adoption is facilitated by the absence of traceability given the lack of identification and registration requirements for those animals. Furthermore, fraudulent practices may appear when the systems for the identification and registration of dogs and cats are not harmonised or cannot be easily operated because technical systems are not interoperable. It is therefore essential to harmonize the standards for the means of identification and registration and to ensure that the identification and registration of dogs and cats is completed before the animal placed on the Union market for the first time. Natural or legal persons placing of dogs and cats should provide evidence of identification and registration in one of the databases established by Member States for this purpose, before the first placing on the market of the animal in the Union. Subsequently, at every change of ownership or responsibility for the animal the change should be registered accordingly in one of the databases. For the sake of proportionality, natural persons supplying dogs and cats occasionally by other means than online platforms should not be subject to this obligation.
AddedRecital 40: (40) Natural or legal persons placing dogs and cats on the Union market should not only provide evidence of identification, showing a document referring to the code of the transponder implanted in the animal but also evidence of the registration of that animal into an official database. This allows key information about the animal to be passed on to the new owner and ensures traceability.
AddedRecital 41: (41) As most dogs and cats are currently offered for sale or donation by means of advertisements placed on online platforms, providers of online platforms should act diligently when intermediating access to dogs and cats. Therefore, without prejudice to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, online platforms should be required to adapt the modalities of their advertisements for dogs and cats so that natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the Union market provide proofs of the identification and registration of the dogs and cats intended for sale or donation. In addition, the Commission should ensure the development of a system publicly available free of charge allowing to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of a dog or a cat. This measure aims to better combat fraud by improving the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union to their origin, allowing better controls by competent authorities and ultimately improving the welfare of these animals. This should not amount to an obligation for online platforms to generally monitor the listings offered through their platform, nor to a general fact-finding obligation aimed at assessing the accuracy of the identification and registration prior to the publication of the offer.
AI: Note on change 3 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recitals on nutrition, space, breeding limits, sanctions, mutilations, and derogations for working dogs.
Change 4
RemovedRecital 45: (45) Dogs and cats imported into the Union may have been bred or kept in third countries in conditions that are detrimental to their welfare. This raises moral and public safety and health concerns in the Union. Union citizens consider that a high level of welfare for dogs and cats is a question of moral responsibility, as illustrated by the results of the 2023 Eurobarometer on animal welfare, as well as by the numerous letters, petitions and parliamentary questions received on this matter, the European Parliament resolution of 2020 on the illegal trade in companion animals, and the Union ban on the placing on the market and import of dog and cat fur and products containing such fur. Furthermore, problems concerning the life and health of animals are also welfare problems. For example exhaustion, cachexia, and susceptibility to infectious diseases can arise from a use of female dogs or cats for breeding that is too intensive and that, therefore, fails to respect their welfare needs. Lastly, poor welfare conditions can lead to public health risks, including zoonotic agents such as dermatophytosis or internal parasites, as well as an indirect enhanced risk of antimicrobial resistance development due to a need for high volumes of use of antimicrobials in the establishment of origin. Dogs and cats bred under poor welfare conditions can also represent a risk for public safety since they may develop aggressive behaviour. Given these public moral concerns, safety, animal health and …
AddedRecital 44 a (new): (44a) In order to streamline cross-border movements of identified and registered dogs and cats, and to ensure timely access by veterinarians to relevant medical information, Member States are encouraged to establish a digital passport system. This digital document should include essential data on the animal’s identification and vaccination status, thereby enhancing both animal health management and administrative efficiency.
RemovedRecital 46: (46) Enforcement of import rules should be ensured through a listing of third countries approved to place dogs and cats on the Union market based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or recognised by the Union as equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which export or intend to export dogs and cats to the Union market. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commission should, following a risk-based approach, carry out audits of the reliability of official control system of third countries approved under this Regulation as well as those requesting to be approved under this Regulation. Lastly, compliance with the relevant rules of this Regulation or with rules recognised by the Union as equivalent rules should be certified in the relevant health certificate used for such exports. For that purpose, the Commission should endeavour to amend the relevant model of official certificate, in order to include the related animal welfare attestation
AddedRecital 44 b (new): (44b) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures.
AddedRecital 44 c (new): (44c) The data protection in relation to the processing of personal data is a fundamental right. Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 of the European Parliament and of the Council lays down rules on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by the Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies and on the free movement of such data. Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council applies to the processing of personal data carried out by Member States in the course of the relevant procedures. The roles of the Commission and of the Member States in relation to the processing of personal data in cases under this Regulation need to be defined clearly in order to ensure a high level of data protection.
AddedRecital 46: (46) Enforcement of import rules should be ensured through a listing of third countries approved to place dogs and cats on the Union market based on a Commission assessment of the reliability of their official controls to enforce the animal welfare rules required under this Regulation, or recognised by the Union as equivalent rules, in establishments on their territory which export or intend to export dogs and cats to the Union market. In addition, a list of establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats in those third countries, and which are allowed to export those animals to the Union, should be established to ensure traceability and controls at Union Border Control Posts. The Commission should, following a risk-based approach, carry out audits of the reliability of official control system of third countries approved under this Regulation as well as those requesting to be approved under this Regulation. Lastly, compliance with the relevant rules of this Regulation or with rules recognised by the Union as equivalent rules should be certified in the relevant health certificate used for such exports. For that purpose, the Commission should endeavour to amend the relevant model of official certificate, in order to include the related animal welfare attestation.
AI: Note on change 4 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recitals on digital passports, data protection, and import conditions.
Change 5
RemovedRecital 47: deleted
AddedRecital 47: (47) Under Regulation (EU) 2016/429, a list of third countries authorised for the purpose of entry into the Union of dogs and cats is established for the purpose of managing the risk of introducing transmissible animal diseases into the Union. The list of third countries mentioned in recital 46 should therefore be limited to third countries authorised under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and which provide appropriate guarantees of the capacity of their competent authority to control and ensure compliance of the establishments breeding and keeping dogs and cats for export to the Union with the animal welfare requirements set out in this Regulation.
RemovedRecital 48: (48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of supplementing this Regulation by laying down the animal-based indicators and amending this Regulation so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes, phenotypes or excessive conformational traits that have detrimental effects on the welfare of the dogs and cats including, where necessary, amending the Annexes to this Regulation.
AddedRecital 47 a (new): (47a) In order to effectively trace the origin of the dog or a cat in the third country and to address illegal imports into the Union and fraudulent practices under the pretext of non-commercial movements as defined by Union Animal Health rules, it is important that dogs and cats are imported from third countries in compliance with this Regulation as regards their registration into a Member State database within 2 working days after their entry into the Union.
RemovedRecital 49: deleted
AddedRecital 48: (48) In order to take into account technical progress and scientific developments, especially the opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and their social, economic and environmental impacts, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission for the purpose of supplementing Article 6a of this Regulation to define the characteristics of genotypes, phenotypes, and excessive conformational traits that should be excluded from reproduction, so that breeding strategies do not result in genotypes that have detrimental effects on the health or welfare of the dogs and cats. In the context of aesthetic shows, exhibitions, and competitions, after considering both EFSA’s scientific opinion and the specific social and economic circumstances of the sector, the delegated acts should reflect a progressive and balanced approach, in order to ensure proportionate and practically achievable implementation."
AI: Note on change 5 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recital on third-country registration within two working days after entry.
Change 6
ChangedRecital 50:52 – indent 2: deleted
AI: Note on change 6 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes a recital.
Change 7
RemovedRecital 55: (55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions. The evaluation should in particular assess technological developments that have occurred concerning the means of identification of dogs or cats and the possibility of using alternative means which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder. The evaluation should also guarantee the fraud-proof and robust character of the Union’s traceability system as well as the proportionality of the cost of identification for natural and legal persons subjected to the identification obligation under this Regulation.
AddedRecital 52 – indent 6: deleted
RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: This Regulation lays down:
AddedRecital 53 a (new): (53a) The Member states may consider raising awareness about animal welfare and responsible animal care.
RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 1 – point -a (new): (-a) a prohibition on pet shops keeping dogs and cats and placing them on the Union market;
AddedRecital 55: (55) It is essential that Union legislation is subject to regular monitoring and evaluation so it can be adjusted in order to achieve the expected impacts. Therefore, this Regulation should contain an obligation for the Commission to perform monitoring on the welfare of dogs and cats in the Union and to carry out an evaluation to be presented to other Union institutions. The evaluation should asses the technological and scientific developments that have occurred, including the means of identification of dogs or cats and the possibility of using alternative means which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder. The evaluation should also guarantee the fraud-proof and robust character of the Union’s traceability system as well as the proportionality of the cost of identification for natural and legal persons subjected to the identification obligation under this Regulation.
AI: Note on change 7 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recital on awareness raising and updates evaluation recital.
Change 8
ChangedArticle 1 – paragraph 1 – point a: (a) minimum requirementsb: for(b) the welfaretraceability of dogs and cats bred or kept in establishments or placed on the Union market;market.
AI: Note on change 8 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Changes Article 1 to focus on traceability instead of welfare for placed animals.
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Change 9
RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 1 – point b: (b) minimum requirements for the traceability of dogs and cats placed on the Union market or supplied in the Union.
AI: Note on change 9 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes a point on traceability requirements.
Change 10
ChangedArticle 2 – paragraph 2: 2. This Regulation shall not apply to the breeding, keeping orkeeping, placing on the market or supplying of dogs or cats intended for scientific purposes or for clinical trials required for the marketing authorisation of veterinary medicinal products.
AI: Note on change 10 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends scope exclusion to supplying animals for scientific purposes.
Change 11
RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 2 a (new): 2a. 'hybrid’ means any offspring in the first to the fourth generation after crossbreeding between a wild species and a domestic dog or cat, or between such hybrids and wild species, domestic dogs or cats, or other hybrids;
AddedArticle 2 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. This Regulation shall not apply to: / – natural persons who keep dogs or cats for personal or familial enjoyment and companionship, and who allow such animals to reproduce, limited to a maximum of one litter per species per household, per 18 months, without placing them on the market; / – and to agricultural holdings, with the exception of the provisions laid down under Article 5.
RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new): 3a. "Breeding" means the activity of keeping dogs or cats in breeding establishments for the purpose of reproduction;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new): 1a. ‘Dogs that perform specific, working or professional activities’: means those animals which, having been selected for their physical, instinctive and temperamental qualities, are trained to assist people in a regulated activity or specific task, such as those used for hunting, working, herding, rescue, assistance or for sporting purposes or those used by law enforcement agencies, as well as guide animals, guide dogs or animals intended for zootherapy that have been trained in centres or by specialised professionals to support, guide and assist people with functional diversities;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new): 3a. "breeding" means the activity of keeping dogs or cats in breeding establishments for the purpose of reproduction;
AI: Note on change 11 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds exclusions for personal keepers and agricultural holdings, and definitions for working dogs and breeding.
Change 12
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 4: 4. ‘keeping’ means any activity during which dogs and cats are held, housedhoused, detained or handled in an establishment or under the responsibility of an operator;
AI: Note on change 12 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Expands definition of keeping to include detention.
Change 13
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 5: 5. placing‘placing on the market’ means the sale, offering for sale, distribution or any other form of transfer,transfer of ownership or responsibility,responsibility onof dogs or cats in the marketcourse of dogsa orcommercial cats,activity, whether in return for payment or free of charge, as well as the advertising of dogs or cats for those purposes, other than occasional and irregular donations of small numbers of dogs and cats by natural persons;online;
AI: Note on change 13 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Redefines placing on the market to exclude occasional donations and include online advertising.
Change 14
Removed"Supplying" should be either deleted or replaced by "placing on the market" throughout the text.
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7: 7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market or of dogs or cats;
RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 7: 7. ‘online platforms’ means an online platform, as defined in Article 3, point (i), of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, intermediating the placing on the market of dogs or cats;
AI: Note on change 14 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of online platforms and deletes a duplicate.
Change 15
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 10 a (new): 10a. ‘livestock guardian dog’ means a dog primarily, kept or trained to manage, move, or control livestock in agricultural or pastoral settings, including farms, grazing areas, or during transport;
AI: Note on change 15 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of livestock guardian dog.
Change 16
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13:12: 13.12. ‘pet‘breeding shops’establishments’ means a shop,any situatedpremises inor astructure, residentialwhere area,dogs whereor petscats are displayed,kept oftenfor inreproduction containers,purposes towith thea publicview forto theplacing purposetheir ofoffspring marketingon tothe finalmarket, consumers.including households;
AI: Note on change 16 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Redefines breeding establishments to include households and removes pet shop definition.
Change 17
RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13 a (new): 13 a. "selling establishments" means any premises or structure where dogs or cats are kept for sale without having been born there, other than a pet shop.
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 12 a (new): 12a. ‘agricultural holding means an agricultural holding within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1091 that is not a breeding establishment as defined in this Regulation;
AI: Note on change 17 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of agricultural holding and removes selling establishment definition.
Change 18
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14:13: 14.13. ‘shelters’‘selling establishments’ means any premises or structure, including households,structure where unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs or cats are kept for the purposesale ofwithout placinghaving onbeen theborn market;there;
AI: Note on change 18 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Redefines selling establishments and shelters.
Change 19
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 14 a (new): 14a.14: "foster14. home"‘shelters’ means aany householdpremises thator keepsstructure, dogsincluding orhouseholds, catsoperated onby behalfa ofnatural anor operatorlegal responsibleperson, forwhere unwanted, abandoned, formal stray, lost or confiscated dogs andor cats;cats are kept for the purpose of placing on the market;
AI: Note on change 19 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Redefines shelters and foster homes.
Change 20
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15: 15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person that places dogs and cats on the market that is responsible for14 a breeding establishment,(new): a14a. selling‘foster establishmenthome’ ormeans a shelter orhousehold that is responsible forkeeps dogs or cats kept therein, or any natural oron legalbehalf personof thatan isoperator responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats and places them in foster homes;cats;
AI: Note on change 20 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of foster home and removes operator definition.
Change 21
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15: 15. ‘operator’ means any natural or legal person, that places dogs and cats on the market and that is responsible for a breeding establishment, a selling establishment or a shelter or that is responsible for dogs or cats kept therein, or that is responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated and places them in foster homes;
AI: Note on change 21 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of operator.
Change 22
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19: 19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including18 a surgical intervention,(new): carried18a. out‘euthanasia’ formeans reasonsthe otheract thanof therapeuticinducing ordeath diagnosticunder purposesanaesthesia and otherprolonged thananalgesia neuteringusing ormedicinal implantationproducts, ofusing a transponder, whichmethod resultsthat incauses damagea torapid orand theirreversible loss of a sensitive part ofconsciousness thewith bodyminimum orpain theand alterationdistress ofto bonean structure;animal;
AI: Note on change 22 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of euthanasia and removes mutilation definition.
Change 23
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19: 19. ‘mutilation’ means an intervention, including a surgical intervention, carried out for reasons other than therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, and other than neutering or implantation of a transponder, which results in damage to or the loss of a sensitive part of the body or the alteration of bone structure of a dog or a cat ;
AI: Note on change 23 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definition of mutilation.
Change 24
ChangedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 19 b (new): 19b. "Non-surgical sterilisation" means alternatives to surgical sterilisation or neutering that preserve the integrity of the body of dog or cat and do not result in the removal or permanent alteration of any part of the dog or cat body.body;
AI: Note on change 24 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies definition of non-surgical sterilisation.
Change 25
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 20: 20. ‘suffering’ means an unpleasant, undesired physical or mental state of being, which is the result of an animal being exposed to noxious stimuli or the continuous absence of important positive stimuli;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 21: 21. ‘housing’ means buildings or delimited outdoor space in establishments where dogs and cats are kept whether temporarily or permanently;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 22: 22. ‘kennel’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing dogs;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 23: 23. ‘cattery’ means a physical structure containing one or more enclosures for housing cats;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 24: 24. ‘animal caretaker’ means a person taking care of the dogs and cats bred or kept in an establishment including volunteers, interns and part-time workers;
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 26: 26. ‘tethering’ means the tying of an animal to an anchor point or object to keep it in a desired area or to restrict its movement;
AI: Note on change 25 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds definitions for suffering, housing, kennel, cattery, caretaker, and tethering.
Change 26
RemovedChapter I a (new): CHAPTER Ia (new) / PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO PET SHOPS / Article 3a (new) / Prohibition applicable to pet shops / The placing on the Union market of dogs and cats by pet shops shall be prohibited.
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 28: deleted
RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 1: 1. A breeding establishment where at most two litters per calendar year are produced for placing on the market shall only be subject to the obligations laid down in Article 5, Article 6(1), (1a) and (1b), Article 6a, Article 7, Article 8, Article 11(2), (3) and (4), Article 12(3), (4) and (7), Article 13(2), points (b), (ba) and (d), Article 14(2), (3), (4) and (6), Article 15 and Article 15a(1). / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)
AddedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 29: 29. ‘responsible ownership’ means the commitment of a dog or cat owner or future dog or cat owner, to perform various duties focused on the satisfaction of the health, behavioural, environmental and physical needs of the dog or cat, and to minimize risks that the dog or cat may pose to the community, other animals or the environment.
RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 1 a (new): 2. A shelter, where a total of up to 15 dogs or cats are kept at any given time, or any foster home, shall only be subject to the obligations laid down in Article 5, Article 6(1), (1a) and (1b), Article 7, Article 8(1), Article 11(2), (3) and (4), Article 12(3), (4) and (7), Article 13(2), points (b), (ba) and (d), Article 14(2), (3), (4) and (6), and Article 15.
AddedArticle 4 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: With the exception of the provisions laid down in Article 5 this chapter shall not apply to:
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AddedArticle 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 1: – breeding establishments keeping up to four bitches and producing in total three litters or less per establishment and calendar year;
AddedArticle 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 2: deleted
AddedArticle 4 – paragraph 1 – indent 3 a (new): – foster homes keeping at any given time five dogs or less or ten cats or less.
AI: Note on change 26 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Replaces pet shop prohibition with exemptions for small breeding establishments and foster homes.
Change 27
ChangedArticle 5 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: Operators and animal caretakers shall apply the following welfare principles with respect to dogs or cats bred or kept in their establishment:
AI: Note on change 27 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends welfare principles to animal caretakers.
Change 28
ChangedArticle 5 – paragraph 1 – point b:a: (b)(a) dogs and cats are kept in a goodprovided physicalwith environmentwater whichand isfeed comfortable,of especiallya inquality termsand of space,a temperature,quantity light,that protectionenables againstthem adverseto climatichave conditionsgood and easeappropriate ofnutrition movement.and hydration.
AI: Note on change 28 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds requirement for water and feed quality and quantity.
Change 29
AddedArticle 5 – paragraph 1 – point b: (b) dogs and cats are kept in an appropriate and clean physical environment which is secure and comfortable, especially in terms of space, air quality, temperature, light, protection against adverse climatic conditions and ease of movement, preventing overcrowding.
AddedArticle 5 – paragraph 1 – point c: (c) dogs and cats are kept safe, clean and in good health by preventing diseases, functional impairments, injuries, and pain, due in particular to management, handling practices, breeding practices or mutilations.
AddedArticle 5 – paragraph 1 – point e: (e) dogs and cats are kept in such a way as to optimise their mental state by preventing or reducing their negative experiences in duration and intensity, as well as by maximizing opportunities for positive experiences in duration and intensity, preventing the development of abnormal repetitive and other behaviours indicative of negative animal welfare, and taking into consideration the individual dog's or cat's needs in the different domains referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d).
AI: Note on change 29 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds requirements for clean environment, health, and mental state.
Change 30
ChangedArticle 6 – paragraph 1: 1. Operators and animal caretakers shall be responsible for the welfare of dogs or cats kept in their establishments and under their control and forto minimisingminimise any risks to their welfare. / In the case of foster homes, the responsibility shall lie with the operator on whose behalf dogs or cats are kept. Such operators shall provide the foster family with adequate information on the animal welfare requirements and obligations as well as the individual needs of the dogs or cats, and shall ensure and verify that the relevant obligations set out by this Regulation are complied with in foster homes.
AI: Note on change 30 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies responsibility in foster homes and extends to caretakers.
Change 31
RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new): In the case of foster homes, the responsibility shall lie with the operator on whose behalf dogs or cats are kept.
AI: Note on change 31 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Moves foster home responsibility provision.
Change 32
ChangedArticle 6 – paragraph 1 b (new): 1b. Operators and animal caretakers shall not abandon dogs or cats.
AI: Note on change 32 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends prohibition of abandonment to animal caretakers.
Change 33
RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. Operators shall ensure the welfare of the dogs and cats kept in their establishment by monitoring animal-based indicators referred to in paragraph 2b, and by taking appropriate action based on the results of that monitoring
AddedArticle 6 – paragraph 3: deleted / (deleted) / (deleted)
RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 b (new): 2b. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Regulation by laying animal-based indicators.
RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1: deleted
RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2: deleted
AI: Note on change 33 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes provisions on animal-based indicators and monitoring.
Change 34
ChangedArticle 6 a (new): Article 6a / Breeding strategies obligations / 1. Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that their breeding strategies prioritise the health and welfare of the animal, and minimise the risk of producing dogs or cats with genotypes or phenotypes associated with detrimental effects on their welfare.welfare / 2. Operators of breeding establishments shall not use for reproduction dogs or cats that have excessive conformational traits leading to a high risk of detrimental effects on the welfare of these dogs or cats, or of their offspring. / 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Regulation by laying down the characteristics of the genotypes and phenotypes referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article, and the excessive conformational traits referred to in paragraph 2 of this Article, which shall be excluded from reproduction, taking into account scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority as well as social and economic impacts. The delegated acts concerning the excessive conformational traits shall be adopted by 1 July 2030. / 4. Unless approved by the competent authority based on a specific need to preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool, the following shall be prohibited in the management of the reproduction of dogs and cats: / (a) the breeding between parents and offspring, between siblings, between halfsiblings or between grandparents and grandchildren;grandchildren andshall /be (b)prohibited in the breedingmanagement toof producethe hybrids.reproduction of dogs and cats.
AI: Note on change 34 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Strengthens breeding strategies to prioritise health and welfare, and prohibits close breeding.
Change 35
ChangedArticle 7 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: Operators shall notify to the competent authorities of their activity, providing at least the following information:
Change 36
ChangedArticle 7 – paragraph 1 – point c: (c) the type of establishment: breeding establishment, selling establishment,establishment shelter or foster home;
AI: Note on change 36 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Simplifies list of establishment types.
Change 37
ChangedArticle 7 – paragraph 1 – point e: (e) the capacity of the establishment expressed as the maximum number of dogs and cats which can be kept in the establishment;establishment.
AI: Note on change 37 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Changes punctuation in capacity requirement.
Change 38
RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 1 – point e a (new): (ea) for breeding establishments, the estimated number of litters to be placed on the market per year.
AddedArticle 7 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Operators shall notify the competent authority of: / (a) any changes concerning the information referred to in paragraph 1; / (b) any cessation of activity and also specifying a deadline by which the activity must be closed, which should be no later than one month after the cessation, and also providing information on the fate of the animals; / Without prejudice to any additional information required under this Article, operators are not required to notify again the information already submitted in accordance with point (b) of Article 84(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429. / The competent authority shall maintain a register of establishments and may use for this purpose the register provided for in point (a) of Article 101(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429.
AI: Note on change 38 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds notification duties for changes and cessation of activity.
Change 39
ChangedArticle 7 –a paragraph(new): 1Article a,7a 1b/ andApproval 1cof (new):breeding 1a.establishments / 1. Operators of breeding establishments shall notifyonly theplace competentdogs authorityor of:cats /on (a)the anymarket changesafter concerningapproval theof informationtheir referredestablishment toby inthe paragraphcompetent 1;authority. / (b)2. anyThe cessationcompetent ofauthority activityshall /perform 1b.on-site Memberinspections Statesto mayverify usethat the informationestablishment providedmeets forthe inrequirements accordanceof withthis ArticleRegulation. 84Member ofStates Regulationmay (EU)allow 2016/429.such Ininspections suchto abe casecarried out remotely provided that the operatorsmeans areof exemptdistance fromcommunication theused obligationprovide providedsufficient forevidence infor paragraphthe 1competent ofauthority thisto Article.perform /reliable 1c.inspections. The competent authority shall maintainonly grant a registercertificate of establishmentsapproval andto maya usebreeding forestablishment thisthat purposemeets the registerrequirements providedof forthis inRegulation. point/ (a)3. ofThe Articlecompetent 101(1)authorities shall maintain a list of Regulationthe (EU)approved 2016/429.breeding establishments and make it publicly available.
AI: Note on change 39 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Requires approval for breeding establishments before placing on market.
Change 40
RemovedArticle 7 a (new): Article 7a / Approval of breeding establishments / 1. Operators of breeding establishments that either produce or intend to produce more than five litters per calendar year or that keep more than five bitches or queens at any given time shall only place dogs or cats on the market after approval of their establishment by the competent authority. / 2. The competent authority shall perform on-site inspections to verify that the establishment meets the requirements of this Regulation. Member States may allow such inspections to be carried out remotely provided that the means of distance communication used provide sufficient evidence for the competent authority to perform reliable inspections. The competent authority shall only grant a certificate of approval to a breeding establishment that meets the requirements of this Regulation. / 3. The competent authorities shall maintain a list of the approved breeding establishments and make it publicly available
AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 1: 1. Operators shall provide to the acquirer of a dog or cat written information necessary to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the dog or cat including information on responsible ownership and on the specific needs of the dog or cat in terms of feeding, caring, health, housing and behavioural needs, as well as information on its health, including vaccination status.
RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 1: 1. Operators shall provide to the acquirer of a dog or a cat written information to enable him or her to ensure the welfare of the dog or cat, including information on responsible ownership and on the specific needs of the dog or cat in terms of feeding, caring, health, housing and behavioural needs, as well as information on its health, including vaccination status.
AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1: 2. When operators and the natural or legal persons advertise the placing on the market of dogs and cats, via online platforms at least the following warning shall be displayed, in clearly visible and bold characters:
RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 2: 2. When operators advertise the placing on the market of dogs and cats, at least the following warning shall be displayed, in clearly visible and bold characters:
AddedArticle 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2: “As an animal owner, you are obliged to ensure that its health and well-being needs are met at all times. Taking care of an animal required financial resources. Abandonment of pets goes against responsible care.” Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.“
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RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new): If advertising via online platforms, the providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way to facilitate the displaying of the warning by the operators.
AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: 1. Animal caretakers, with the exception of supervised volunteers and interns, shall have the following competences as regards the dogs and cats they are handling:
RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 b (new): Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.
AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 1 – point b: (b) ability to recognise their expressions including any sign of suffering and to identify and take the appropriate mitigating measures to be taken in such cases;
AddedArticle 9 – paragraph 1 – point c: (c) ability to apply good animal management practices, to use and maintain the equipment used for the species under their care and to minimize any risks to the welfare of the animals, preventing suffering;
AI: Note on change 40 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds approval procedure for breeding establishments and updates information duties.
Change 41
ChangedArticle 10 – paragraph 1 – point a: (a) ensure that the establishments under their responsibility receive a visit by a veterinarian by ... [one year after the date of application of this Regulation]Regulation or within the first year of the notification of a new establishment, for the purpose of identifying and assessing any risk factor for the welfare of the dogs orand cats and advising the operator on measures to address any risk factor for animal welfare;welfare and to follow up on actions taken by the operator in response to recommendations made by visiting veterinarian; thereafter the visits from a veterinarian shall take place when appropriate, based on a risk analysis by the competent authorities; Member States may provide for that the advisory welfare visits are annual;
AI: Note on change 41 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends veterinarian visit requirements and allows annual visits.
Change 42
ChangedArticle 10 – paragraph 1 – point b: (b) keep the records of the findings of the visit of the veterinarian referred to in point (a) and of their follow up actions and keep those records for at least 5 years, from the day of the visit, and shall make them available to the competent authorities and visiting veterinarian upon request.
AI: Note on change 42 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Requires records of veterinarian visits to be kept for five years and shared.
Change 43
ChangedArticle 10 – paragraph 2: 2. TheBy [24 months from the date of entry into force of this Regulation] the Commission shallis empowered to adopt implementingdelegated acts in accordance with Article 23 supplementing this Article to lay down minimum criteria to identify and assess the risk factors by the veterinarian during the advisory welfare visits. Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referredvisits, toincluding inon Articlefollow-up 24.actions.
AI: Note on change 43 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Changes implementing acts to delegated acts for veterinarian visit criteria.
Change 44
ChangedArticle 11 – paragraph 1: 1. Operators shall ensure that dogs andor cats are fed in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 1 of Annex I.
Change 45
RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 3 a (new): 3a. Where advised in writing by a veterinarian to do so, the operators may adjust the feeding and watering requirements. The operators shall keep a record of the advice for its entire duration as advised by the veterinarian.
AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 2 – introductory part: 2. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are adequately fed and hydrated by supplying:
AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 2 – point a: (a) clean and fresh water, ad libitum;
AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 2 – point b: (b) feed in sufficient quantity and quality to meet the physiological, nutritional and metabolic needs and satiety of the dogs and cats, as part of a diet adapted to the age, breed, category, activity level, and health status of the dogs and cats or cats, with the overall objective of achieving and maintaining good health;
AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 3 – introductory part: 3. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that feeding and drinking facilities are kept clean and constructed and installed in such a way as to:
AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 3 – point a: (a) provide equal access to all dogs and cats;
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AddedArticle 11 – paragraph 3 a (new): 3a. Where advised in writing by a veterinarian to do so, the operators may adjust the feeding and watering frequencies. The operators shall keep a record of the advice for its entire duration as advised by the veterinarian.
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 1: 1. Except of natural or legal person responsible for shelters, operators shall ensure that dogs and cats are provided with housing in accordance with point 2 of Annex I.
AI: Note on change 45 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds detailed feeding and watering requirements and allows adjustments on vet advice.
Change 46
ChangedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point c: (c) in breeding establishments,establishments and selling establishments where dogs and cats are kept indoors, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity and gas concentrations are not harmful to dogs or cats and that ventilation is sufficient to avoid overheating and, where necessary, in combination with heating systems, to remove excessive moisture;overheating;
AI: Note on change 46 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends indoor climate requirements to selling establishments and removes dust level reference.
Change 47
RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Operators shall not keep dogs or cats in containers.
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point d: (d) dogs and cats have enough space to be able to move around freely and to express species-specific behaviour according to their needs;
RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2: By way of derogation from the second subparagraph, containers may be used for the transport, short-term isolation of individual dogs or cats, and during the participation in shows, exhibitions and competitions, provided that stress is minimised and suffering is avoided, and the dogs and cats are able to stand and lie down in a natural position.
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1: Operators shall not keep dogs or cats in containers.
AI: Note on change 47 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds space requirement and clarifies container ban.
Change 48
ChangedArticle 12 – paragraph 7:3 7.– Operatorssubparagraph shall2: ensureBy thatway dogsof orderogation, catscontainers aremay exposedonly tobe lightused andfor arethe abletransport, toshort stayterm inisolation theof darkindividual fordogs sufficientor cats and uninterruptedduring periodsthe participation in ordershows, toexhibitions maintainand acompetitions, normalfor circadianpuppies rhythm.or /kittens Forwith thereduced purposesthermoregulation ofcapacity theor firstpuppies subparagraph,or ‘light’kittens meanstogether naturalwith light,their complemented,mothers, whereprovided needed,that duestress tois theminimised climaticand conditionssuffering is avoided and geographicthe positiondogs ofand acats Memberare Stateable byto artificialstand light.and lie down in a natural position.
AI: Note on change 48 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Moves and expands container derogation to include puppies and kittens.
Change 49
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 4: 4. Keeping dogs exclusively indoors shall be prohibited. Dogs kept indoors shall have daily access to an outdoor area that allows exercise, exploration and socialisation. In addition, when dogs are kept in kennels, operators shall design and construct individual enclosures to allow dogs to have free access to a confined outdoor space and an indoor space or an individual hut.
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 6 a (new): 6a. Operators of breeding and selling establishments shall use, where necessary, heating or cooling systems to maintain good air quality, an appropriate temperature in indoor enclosures at their establishments, and remove excessive moisture.
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 7: 7. Operators shall ensure that dogs or cats are exposed to light, and are able to stay in the dark for sufficient and uninterrupted periods in order to maintain a normal circadian rhythm. / For the purposes of the first subparagraph, ‘light’ means natural light, complemented, where needed, due to the climatic conditions and geographic position of a Member State, by artificial light.
AI: Note on change 49 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds prohibition on keeping dogs exclusively indoors and heating/cooling requirements.
Change 50
AddedArticle 12 – paragraph 8 a (new): 8a. Paragraph 4 shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are being trained for herding purposes.
AI: Note on change 50 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Exempts livestock guardian dogs from outdoor access requirement during training.
Change 51
ChangedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – introductory part: 2. Operators and caretakers shall ensure that:
AI: Note on change 51 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends health care duties to caretakers.
Change 52
ChangedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – point c: (c) where, in cases referred to in point (b), recovery is not achievable and the dogs or cats experience severe pain or suffering that cannot be alleviated,alleviated theyand keeping them alive is contrary to the rules of their well-being euthanasia may be euthanisedonly carried out by a veterinarian and with the prior consent of the operator;operator
AI: Note on change 52 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies euthanasia conditions and requires veterinarian consent.
Change 53
RemovedArticle 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part: Operators of breeding establishments shall ensure that:
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – point d: (d) measures are in place to prevent and control external and internal parasites, including preventive veterinary treatments such as vaccination, to prevent common diseases to which dogs or cats are likely to be exposed with due regard to the epidemiological situation;
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – point e: (e) enrichment materials do not present any risk of biological or chemical contamination.
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – point e a (new): (ea) if available, relevant health related information shall be provided to the acquirer of a dog or a cat, including information on vaccination, allergies, health conditions and on responsible ownership in accordance with article 8(1). / Point (a) shall not apply to breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding or training purposes.
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. The euthanasia of a dog or a cat in animal shelters as a population management solution is prohibited.
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 2 – point e b (new): (eb) health care for animals is aligned with a ‘One Health’ approach, such as the prudent use of antibiotics to avoid anti-microbial resistance (AMR).
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AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part: Operators responsible for breeding establishments and their caretakers shall ensure that:
AI: Note on change 53 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds parasite control, enrichment safety, health information, and bans euthanasia for population control.
Change 54
RemovedArticle 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point c a (new): (ca) artificial insemination of bitches or queens is performed only by a veterinarian and only in exceptional circumstances only.
AI: Note on change 54 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes restriction on artificial insemination.
Change 55
AddedArticle 13 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2 a (new): When operators and natural or legal persons responsible for shelters possess results of health tests of a dog or a cat or genetic reports and diagnoses of sire or dam of the pet animal in question, they shall share this information with the animal´s acquirer.
AI: Note on change 55 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Requires sharing health test results with acquirers.
Change 56
ChangedArticle 14 – paragraph 1: 1. Operators shall ensure that measures are taken to meet the behavioural needs of dogscats or catsdogs in accordance with point 4 of Annex I.
AI: Note on change 56 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Swaps order of dogs and cats in behavioural needs requirement.
Change 57
AddedArticle 14 – paragraph 2 – point d: (d) procedures for hygienic, health or reproductive purpose;
AddedArticle 14 – paragraph 2 – point e: (e) medical treatment.
AddedArticle 14 – paragraph 3: 3. Tethering shall be prohibited, except for the duration of a medical treatment.
AI: Note on change 57 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds allowed procedures and prohibits tethering except for medical treatment.
Change 58
RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 1: 1. Mutilations, including ear cropping, tail docking, claw removal or other partial or complete digit amputation, and resection of vocal cords or folds, shall be prohibited unless they are performed due to a medical indication with the sole purpose of improving or preserving the health of dogs or cats. In such case, the procedure shall only be performed by a veterinarian under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.
AddedArticle 14 – paragraph 5 b (new): 5b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police and customs services that are kept in breeding or selling establishments.
AI: Note on change 58 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Allows derogations for military, police, and customs dogs from tethering ban.
Change 59
ChangedArticle 15 – paragraph 11: a1. (new):Mutilations, 1a.including Theear medicalcropping, indicationtail fordocking, theclaw mutilationremoval andor detailsother ofpartial procedureor carriedcomplete outdigit shallamputation, beand documentedresection byof avocal veterinarian.cords Thisor documentfolds, shall be retained by the operator until the dog or cat, along withprohibited thisunless document,they are transferredperformed toupon anothermedical establishmentindication, orwhich owner.may Theinclude operatorprophylactic, ofdiagnostic, theand/or establishmenttreatment responsiblereasons, forwith the dog or cat whensole thepurpose mutilationof was, performedpreserving, byimproving the veterinarian shall retain a copyhealth of the documentdogs foror threecats years.or /preventing Byinjury. wayIn ofsuch derogation,case, Memberthe Statesprocedure mayshall allowonly earbe croppingperformed by notching or tipping cat ears in the context of marking straya catsveterinarian whenunder neuteredanaesthesia underand trap-neuterprolonged programmes.analgesia.
AI: Note on change 59 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Rewrites mutilation ban to allow prophylactic reasons and requires documentation.
Change 60
RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 2: 2. Operators shall ensure that neutering, when justified, may be permitted by a veterinarian and performed under anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia.
AddedArticle 15 – paragraph 1 a (new): 1a. The medical indication for the mutilation and details of procedure to be carried out,shall be documented by a veterinarian. This document shall be retained by the operator until the dog or cat, along with this document, are transferred to another establishment or owner. The operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or cat when the mutilation was performed by the veterinarian shall retain a copy of the document for three years. / By way of derogation, Member States may allow ear cropping by notching or tipping cat ears in the context of marking stray cats when neutered under trap-neuter programmes.
AI: Note on change 60 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds documentation requirements for mutilations and allows ear tipping for stray cats.
Change 61
ChangedArticle 15 – paragraph 22: –2. subparagraphOperators 1shall ensure that neutering is only performed under anesthesia and prolongued analgesia by a (new):veterinarian. / Veterinarians may consider non-surgical sterilisation to neutering, whenever appropriate.
AI: Note on change 61 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Requires neutering to be performed by a veterinarian and allows non-surgical sterilisation.
Change 62
ChangedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 – introductory part: 3. HandlingThe following handling practices that cause pain or suffering shall be prohibited, including:prohibited:
AI: Note on change 62 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Rephrases prohibition of painful handling practices.
Change 63
RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 – point a: (a) tying up body parts;
AddedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 – point d: (d) prolonged using of muzzles, unless required for health or welfare reasons, in which case the duration shall be limited to the minimum period necessary.
AI: Note on change 63 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds prohibition on prolonged muzzle use.
Change 64
ChangedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 – point d:e: (d)(e) usinglifting ofdogs muzzles;or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail, ears, skin or the hair.
AI: Note on change 64 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds prohibition on lifting by ears, skin, or hair.
Change 65
RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 – point e: (e) lifting dogs or cats by the limbs, the head, the tail, ears or the hair.
AI: Note on change 65 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes duplicate prohibition on lifting.
Change 66
ChangedArticle 15 – paragraph 3 a (new): (3a)3a. By way of derogation from paragraph 3: / (a) the practices referred to in points (a),point (c) and (d) of paragraph 3 may be performed for medical reasons in theand interestlimited ofto the dog or cat’sminimum welfareperiod ;necessary; / (b) the practice referred to in pointpoints (b), (c) and (d) of paragraph 3 may be performed for the reason to secure the welfare of dogs or cats when necessary, for public health, security or animalpublic safetysafety, reasonssecurity in which cases the duration shall be limited to the minimum time necessary and the dog or cat shall be supervised. / Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 3 for dogs intended for use in military, police or customs services.
AI: Note on change 66 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Expands derogations for painful practices to include public safety and military dogs.
Change 67
ChangedArticle 15 a (new): Article15aArticle 15a / Aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions / 1. Operators of breeding or selling establishments shall not use in aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats, dogs or cats with excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics. / 2. Organisers of aesthetic shows, exhibitions and competitions of dogs and cats shall exclude from such shows, exhibitions and competitions dogs and cats which have excessive conformational traits or dogs or cats which have been mutilated in such a way that results in an alteration of physical characteristics. / 3. The Commission shall provide for appropriate transitional measures when adopting the delegated acts referred to in paragraph 3 of Article 6a
AI: Note on change 67 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds restrictions on using mutilated or extreme conformed animals in shows.
Change 68
RemovedArticle 16: deleted / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)
AddedArticle 17 – paragraph 1: 1. All dogs and cats kept in establishments and all dogs and cats placed on the market shall be individually identified by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian. Where a veterinarian considers that the implantation of a microchip could significantly compromise the dog’s or cat’s health, he/she may delay the microchip implantation temporarily until the animal’s health concerns can be suitably addressed. In case a dog or a cat is experiencing significant adverse reactions after the implantation of the microchip, the veterinary shall take all the necessary actions to ensure the dog’s or cat’s health, including removal of the microchip.
RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1: 1. All dogs and cats kept in establishments, and all dogs and cats placed on the market shall be individually identified by means of a subcutaneous transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Annex II. The implantation of the transponder shall be performed by a veterinarian or under the responsibility of a veterinarian. Where a veterinarian considers that the implantation of a microchip could significantly compromise the dog’s or cat’s health, he/she may delay the microchip implantation temporarily until the animal’s health concerns can be suitably addressed. In case a dog or a cat is experiencing significant adverse reactions after the implantation of the microchip, the veterinary shall take all the necessary actions to ensure the dog’s or cat’s health, including removal of the microchip.
AddedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 a (new): 1a. Operators of establishments shall ensure that dogs and cats born in their establishments are individually identified within 3 months after their birth and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.
AI: Note on change 68 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes Article 16 and adds identification timing for newborns.
Change 69
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 ab (new): 1b. Operators of establishmentsselling shallestablishments, ensureshelters, thatand those responsible for unwanted, abandoned, stray, lost or confiscated dogs and cats bornthat inenter their establishments or come under their responsibility are individually identified within 330/15 monthsdays after their birtharrival at the establishment and in any event before the date of their placing on the market.
AI: Note on change 69 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Changes identification deadline for animals entering establishments from 3 months to 30/15 days.
Change 70
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 bc (new): Operators of selling establishments, shelters, and those1c. responsibleNatural foror unwanted,legal abandoned,persons, stray,other lostthan oroperators, confiscatedplacing dogs andor cats that enter theiron establishmentsthe ormarket comeshall underensure theirthat responsibilitythey are individually identified within 30 days after their arrival at the establishment and in any event before the date ofor their placing on the market.
AI: Note on change 70 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Requires natural persons placing animals to ensure identification before placement.
Change 71
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 –d subparagraph(new): 11d. cDogs (new):and Naturalcats orwhich legalhave persons,been otherindividually thanidentified operators,by placingmeans dogsof oran catsinjectable ontransponder thecontaining marketa shallmicrochip, ensurein thataccordance theywith areUnion individuallyor identifiednational law before the[the date orof theirapplication placingof onthis Regulation], shall be considered compliant with the market.requirements in this paragraph, provided that the microchip is readable.
AI: Note on change 71 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds recognition of pre-existing microchips as compliant.
Change 72
RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 1 d (new): Dogs and cats which have been individually identified by means of an injectable transponder containing a microchip, in accordance with Union or national law before [the date of application of this Regulation], shall be considered compliant with the requirements in this paragraph, provided that the microchip is readable.
AddedArticle 17 – paragraph 2: 2. Within two working days after their identification, in accordance with paragraph 1, the dogs and cats shall be registered by the veterinarian, in a national database referred to in Article 19. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database. For dogs and cats kept in establishments, the registration shall be made in the name of the operator of the establishment responsible for the dog or the cat. For natural persons placing a dog or a cat on the market, the registration shall be made in the name of that person. In case of transfer of ownership or responsibility, the natural or legal person placing, the dog or the cat on the market, shall ensure that any change of ownership or responsibility is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, within two weeks from the date of change of ownership or responsibility, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible.
AI: Note on change 72 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds registration requirements and deadlines for ownership changes.
Change 73
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 2: 2. Within two working days after their identification, in accordance with paragraph 1, the dogs and cats shall be registered by the veterinarian in2 a national database referred to in Article 19. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database. For dogs and cats kept in establishments, the registration shall be(new): made2a. inIn the namecase of thea operatordeath of the establishment responsible for thea dog or the cat. For natural persons placing a dog or cat on the market the registration shall be madekept in the name of that person. / In case of transfer of ownership or responsibility, the natural or legal person placing the dog or catan onestablishment, the marketoperator shall ensure that any change of ownership orthe responsibilitydeath is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, within two weeks from the date of change of ownership or responsibility, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible.responsible for that database.
AI: Note on change 73 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds requirement to record death of animals in database.
Change 74
RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 a (new): In the case of a death of a dog or a cat kept in an establishment, the operator shall ensure that the death is recorded in the database referred to in Article 19, in accordance with the conditions laid down by the Member State responsible for that database.
AddedArticle 17 – paragraph 2 b (new): 2b. Member States may grant derogations from paragraph 2 and 2a for military, police and customs dogs that are kept in establishments.
AI: Note on change 74 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Allows derogations for military, police, and customs dogs from registration.
Change 75
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part: Before placing a dog or a cat on the market,market the operators or natural or legal persons placing the dog or cat on the market shall provide to the acquirer:acquirer of the animal:
AI: Note on change 75 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies information to be provided to acquirer.
Change 76
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point a: (a) proof of the identification and registration of the dog or cat in compliance with paragraphs 1 and 2,2 and a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6;
Change 77
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 2: Acquirers shall be able to verify the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs andor cats placed on the market through the system referred to in paragraph 6.7.
AI: Note on change 77 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies verification system reference.
Change 78
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1: Providers of online platforms shall ensure that their online interface is designed and organised in such a way that facilitates the operators or other natural or legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market to comply with their obligations under paragraph 3, and Article 8 paragraph 2 in line with Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, and shall inform acquirers, in a visible manner, of the possibility to verify the identification and registration of the dog or cat through a weblink to the system referred to in paragraph 6.
AI: Note on change 78 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds requirement for online platforms to facilitate warning display.
Change 79
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2: The natural or legal person placing dogs or cats on the market shall be the solely responsible for the accuracy of the information provided through the interface of the online platform. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as imposing a general monitoring obligation on the provider of the online platform within the meaning of Article 8 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065.
AI: Note on change 79 · wording only Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies responsibility for information accuracy.
Change 80
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 6 – introductory part: 6. The Commission shall ensure that an online system performing automated checks of the authenticity of the identification and registration of dogs or cats placed on the marketmarket, using the database referred to in Article 19, is publicly available free of charge . The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this system to an independent entity.entity following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. The system shall meet the following criteria:
AI: Note on change 80 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds public selection process for independent entity operating verification system.
Change 81
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – indentpoint 1:a –(new): (a) based on the content of the databases referred to in Article 19(3), point a, the exact information to be provided by natural and legal persons placing dogs or cats on the market, as proof of identification and registration of the dogs and cats in accordance with point (a) of paragraph 3, both in cases where the dogs and cats are offered through online platforms and by other means;
AI: Note on change 81 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds details on information to be provided for verification.
Change 82
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – point a – indent 12 a (new): – the followingcategories aspectsof personal data that are made available to the verifying person during the verification of the systemidentification referredand registration, that shall be limited to inthose paragraphstrictly 6:needed to enable such verification.
AI: Note on change 82 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Limits personal data categories in verification system.
Change 83
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 7 – – subparagraph 1 – indent 1point b (new): –(b) the following aspects of the system referred to in paragraph 6: / - the key functionalities of the system;
AI: Note on change 83 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds key functionalities of verification system.
Change 84
ChangedArticle 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 a (new):a(new): The implementing acts referred to in point (a) shall be adopted by [the date of application of this Regulation] and the implementing act referred to in point (b) shall be adopted by [3 years from date of entry into force of this Regulation].Regulation]
AI: Note on change 84 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Sets deadlines for implementing acts.
Change 85
RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 1: 1. The competent authorities shall establish and maintain databases for dogs and cats registered in accordance with Article 17(2) and Article 21(4).
AddedArticle 18 – paragraph 1 – point a a (new): (aa) ensuring that veterinarians and other relevant professionals receive training on best practices in animal welfare, including on the detection and reporting of welfare violations including painful practices as set out in Article 15, in line with One Health principles.
AI: Note on change 85 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds training requirements for veterinarians and others.
Change 86
ChangedArticle 1918 – paragraph 2: 2. Member States shall ensure1 that– theirpoint databasesa referredb to(new): in(ab) paragraphensuring 1that complyoperators, withnatural theor requirementslegal laidpersons downresponsible byfor theshelters, implementingfoster acthomes referredand topounds, inanimal pointcaretakers (b)and ofveterinarians paragraphreceive 3adequate toand ensureregular theirtraining interoperabilityand socertificates thatfor the identificationcompletion of a dog or a cat canthe betraining authenticatedcourses andreferred tracedto acrossin thepoint Union.(a);
AI: Note on change 86 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds training requirements for shelter staff and others.
Change 87
RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs and cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this index database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046.
AddedArticle 18 – paragraph 1 – point a c (new): (ac) ensuring that shelter medicine courses, including those with a focus on herd health, are available for veterinarians;
AddedArticle 18 – paragraph 1 – point a d (new): (ad) ensuring that trainers and handlers of dogs intended for military, police and customs services receive regular training within and preferably across Member States in order to improve their skills especially on operant conditioning and positive reinforcement, on behavioural science and welfare principles, and on stress management for both dogs and handlers;
AddedArticle 18 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new): (ba) facilitating collaboration between competent authorities, veterinary associations, and educational institutions to develop and promote high-quality, long term science-based training programmes for animal caretakers and veterinary professionals, increasing the cooperation between relevant agencies and the synergies between the information campaigns.
AddedArticle 18 a (new): Article 18a / National information campaigns on the protection of stray animals and legislation concerning the protection of stray animals / 1. Member States are encouraged to initiate and implement national information campaigns on current legislation concerning the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns must be aimed both at animal owners and at the general public, in order to raise awareness about the legal obligations and best practices in caring for animals. / 2. Information campaigns may be conducted by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information communicated shall include: / (a) the legal obligations of keepers of pet animals; / (b) the responsibilities and actions of local authorities in managing strays, as well as the actions that they are to take to prevent abandonment; / (c) the steps to be taken if a person finds a lost or abandoned animal, including contacting veterinary services, animal shelters or the local police; / (d) a statement of the importance of responsible adoption and neutering to reduce the stray animal population. / 3. Member States may provide national or regional funding for these campaigns and may encourage the participation of mass media and educational establishments with a view to disseminating the information further. / 4. The Commission shall encourage the exchange of best practices between Member States.
AddedArticle 18 b (new): Article 18b / Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats / 1. Member States shall be encouraged to adopt concrete measures to prevent the abandonment of dogs and cats, including through public education, by raising awareness about responsible ownership and through the effective enforcement of existing legislation. / 2. To reduce the number of strays, Member States shall be encouraged to identify and use national and private sources of funding for: / (a) free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and for pet animals belonging to low-income people or animal protection organisations; / (b) programmes for the registration and identification of pet animals, including by means of microchipping, to facilitate adoption and the return of lost animals to their owners and prevent abandonment; / (c) actions to raise awareness among and educate the population about the responsibility of keeping a pet animal and the negative effects of abandonment on animal welfare and on communities. / 3. Member States may work with non-governmental organisations, veterinary clinics and local authorities to implement the measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 and for the purpose of facilitating access to neutering and identification programmes.
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AddedArticle 19 – paragraph 1: 1. The competent authorities shall establish and maintain databases for dogs and cats identified and registered in accordance with Article 17 and Article 21(4)
AddedArticle 19 – paragraph 2: 2. Member States shall ensure that their databases as referred to in paragraph 1 comply with the requirements laid down by the implementing act referred to in point (b) of paragraph 3 to ensure their interoperability so that the identification of a dog or a cat can be authenticated and traced across the Union.
AddedArticle 19 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. The Commission shall establish and maintain an index database containing the identification numbers of the microchips of the dogs and cats and the national databases where the identification details are stored, without accessing personal data. The Commission may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this index database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of [ Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509.
AI: Note on change 87 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds articles on information campaigns and measures to prevent abandonment.
Change 88
ChangedArticle 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point f a (new): (fa) The interconnection between the Member States databases referred to in paragraph 1 and any other relevant database, including the Information Management System for Official Controls (IMSOC). / The Commission shall adopt those implementing acts by [the date of application of this Regulation].
AI: Note on change 88 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds interconnection of databases with IMSOC.
Change 89
RemovedArticle 20 a (new): Article 20a / Data protection / 1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall be controllers within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 7, Article 7a and Article 19(1) of this Regulation. / The Commission shall be a controller within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 17(6) and the second subparagraph of Article 21(4) of this Regulation. / It shall be prohibited for any person having access to the personal data referred to in the first and second sub-paragraphs to divulge any personal data, the knowledge of which was acquired in the exercise of their duties or otherwise incidentally to such exercise. Member States and the Commission shall take all appropriate measures to address infringements of that prohibition. / The personal data collected under the first and second sub-paragraphs shall not be used for other purposes than official control of the compliance with the welfare and traceability requirements under this regulation and detection of fraudulent practices with a view to the adoption of control measures. / 2. That personal data referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be retained for the following periods: / (a) in the case of Article 7 and Article 7a, 10 years after the date of cessation of the activity of the establishment; / (b) in the case of Article 19(1), 20 years after the first registration of…
AddedArticle 20 a (new): Article 20a / National information campaigns concerning stray animal legislation and protection / 1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to initiate and implement national information campaigns concerning existing legislation on the protection and welfare of dogs and cats. These campaigns should be targeted at both animal owners and the general public in order to raise awareness of legal obligations and good practices in relation to animal care. / 2. Information campaigns can be run by the competent authorities in collaboration with animal protection organisations, veterinarians and other relevant entities. The information provided must include: / (a) The legal obligations of pet owners; / (b) The responsibilities and actions of local authorities in managing stray animals, and actions to prevent abandonment; / (c) Recommended steps if a person finds a lost or abandoned animal, including contacting veterinary services, animal shelters or the local police; / (d) The importance of responsible adoption and neutering to reduce the population of stray animals. / 3. The Member States can provide national or regional funding for these campaigns and can encourage the mass media and educational institutions to participate with a view to better dissemination of information. / 4. The European Commission shall encourage the sharing of good practices between the Member States.
RemovedArticle 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: 1. Dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market provided that the following conditions are met: / (a) they have been bred and kept in compliance with any of the following:
AddedArticle 20 b (new): Article 20b / Measures to prevent abandonment and promote the neutering of dogs and cats / 1. The Member States are encouraged, in collaboration with the competent authorities, to adopt concrete measures to prevent abandonment of dogs and cats, including by educating the public, making owners responsible and enforcing existing legislation effectively. / 2. To reduce the number of stray animals, the Member States are encouraged to identify and use national and private financing sources for: / (a) Free or subsidised neutering campaigns for stray dogs and cats and pets of persons on low incomes or animal protection organisations; / (b) Programmes to register and identify pets, including by microchipping, to facilitate adoption and the return of lost animals to owners and to prevent abandonment; / (c) Actions to raise awareness and educate the public with regard to the responsibility of owning a pet and the adverse effects of abandonment on animal welfare and the community. / 3. The Member States can work together with non-governmental organisations, veterinary clinics and local authorities to implement these measures and facilitate public access to neutering and identification programmes.
RemovedArticle 21 – paragraph 1 – point a: (i) Chapter II of this Regulation;
AddedArticle 20 c (new): Article 20c / Data protection / 1. The competent authorities of the Member States shall be controllers within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 7, Article 7a and Article 19(1) of this Regulation. / The Commission shall be a controller within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 in relation to the processing of personal data collected under Article 17(6) and the second subparagraph of Article 21(4) of this Regulation. / It shall be prohibited for any person having access to the personal data referred to in the first and second sub-paragraphs to divulge any personal data, the knowledge of which was acquired in the exercise of their duties or otherwise incidentally to such exercise. Member States and the Commission shall take all appropriate measures to address infringements of that prohibition. / The personal data collected under the first and second sub-paragraphs shall not be used for other purposes than official control of the compliance with the welfare and traceability requirements under this regulation and detection of fraudulent practices with a view to the adoption of control measures. / 2. That personal data referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article shall be retained for the following periods: / (a) in the case of Article 7 and Article 7a, 10 years after the date of cessation of the activity of the establishment; / (b) in the case of Article 19(1), 20 years after the first registration of…
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AddedArticle 21 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: 1. Dogs and cats may only be entered into the Union for placing on the market provided that the following conditions are met:
AddedArticle 21 – paragraph 1 – point a: (a) they have been breed and kept in compliance with any of the following:
AddedArticle 21 – paragraph 1 – point a – point i (new): (i) Chapter II of this Regulation;
AI: Note on change 89 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds data protection provisions and national campaigns.
Change 90
ChangedArticle 21 – paragraph 3: 3.2. The official certificate referred to in Article 126(2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 accompanying dogs and cats entering into the Union from third countries and territories to be placed on the Union market, shall contain an attestation certifying compliance with paragraph 1 of this Article.
Change 91
ChangedArticle 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1: 3. Without prejudice to Article 10(1)(a) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 and Article 74(1) of Regulation (EU) 2020/69211 , dogs and cats entering into the Union to be placed on the Union market, shall be identified before their entry by a veterinarian with a microchipmicrochip. compliant with Annex II . The importer shall ensure the registration of dogs and cats by a veterinarian into a national database, referred to in Article 19 within fivetwo working days after their entry into the Union. Member States may allow the registration by other persons than veterinarians, provided that they have measures in place to ensure the accuracy of information inserted in the database.
AI: Note on change 91 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Shortens registration deadline for imported animals from five to two working days.
Change 92
ChangedArticle 21 – paragraph 4 a (new): 4a. The entry of dogs and cats into the Union under a non-commercial movement, as defined in point 14 of Article 4 of Regulation (EU) 2016/429, shall be pre-notified by their owners into an online Union pet travellers’ database at least five working days before the crossing of the Union border, except in the following cases: / (a) dogs or cats entering into the Union directly from third countries listed in accordance with Article 13(1) of Regulation (EU) No 576/2013; / (b) dogs or cats registered in a Member State database referred to in Article 19(1). / The owner shall pre-notify the identity of the dog or cat and where relevant the identity of the authorised person travelling with that dog or cat, the identification number of the microchip of the dog or cat, its main destination in the Union, and where relevant the planned date and place of exit from the Union. Where the dog or cat stays more than four months in the Union, the owner shall ensure its registration in the database of the Member State of residence within five working days after the expiry of that fourth month. / The Commission shall establish and maintain the Union pet travellers’ database referred to in the second subparagraph, and may entrust the development, maintenance and operation of this database to an independent entity, following a public selection process, pursuant to the relevant provisions of Title VII of the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. Access to this database shall be restricted to Member S…Sta…
Change 93
ChangedArticle 22 – paragraph 1 – introductory part: The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 23 amending the Annexes to this Regulation to take into account of scientific and technical progress, including, when relevant, scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority, and of social, economic, and environmental impacts, as regards:
AI: Note on change 93 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds social, economic, and environmental impacts to delegated acts criteria.
Change 94
ChangedArticle 22 – paragraph 1 – point c: (c) lightinglightin requirements;
AI: Note on change 94 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Fixes typo in lighting requirements.
Change 95
RemovedArticle 22 – paragraph 2: Any additions of requirements in the Annexes shall be based on updated scientific or technical evidence, in particular regarding the specific conditions needed to ensure the welfare of the dogs and cats covered by the scope of this Regulation. Where relevant, those delegated acts shall take into account social and economic impacts and provide for sufficient transition periods to allow for operators impacted to adapt to the new requirements.
AI: Note on change 95 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes paragraph on additions to annexes.
Change 96
RemovedArticle 26 – paragraph 2: 2. By [15 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and the possibility of using alternative means of identification which are less invasive than the implantation of a transponder and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.
AddedArticle 25 – paragraph 1: 1. This Regulation shall not prevent Member States from maintaining or adopting any stricter national rules aimed at a more extensive protection of the welfare of dogs and cats, kept in establishments and to their traceability, provided that those rules are not inconsistent with this Regulation and do not interfere with the proper functioning of the internal market. Before Member States shall inform the Commission about such national rules. The Commission shall bring them to the attention of the other Member States.
RemovedArticle 28 – paragraph 2: It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation]. / However, the following provisions shall apply from the following dates, / (i) Article [X], Chapter [X] Prohibition applicable to pet shops from [8 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation]; / (i) Article 13 from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation]; / (ii) second subparagraph of Article 9(2), Article 17(1) to (3) and Article 19(1) from [4 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation]; / (iii) Article 12, Article 17(4) and (6), Article 19(2) and (2a), and Article 21(1) to (4a) from [5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation]; and; / (iv) Article 7a from [6 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation].
AddedArticle 25 – paragraph 2: deleted / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)
AddedArticle 25 – paragraph 3: deleted
AddedArticle 25 – paragraph 4: 4. Member States that have stricter national rules referred to in paragraph 1 shall not prohibit or impede the placing on the market within their territory of dogs and cats kept in another Member State on the grounds that the dogs and cats concerned have not been kept in accordance with its stricter national rules on animal welfare.
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AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1: 1. On the basis of the reports received in accordance with Article 20 and additional relevant information, the Commission shall publish, by [7 years after the date of entry into force of this Regulation] and thereafter every 5 years, a monitoring report on the welfare of dogs and cats placed on the market in the Union. The monitoring report shall assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, socio-economic impact and EU added value of this Regulation in achieving its objectives. In particular, the Commission shall assess:
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point a (new): (a) the extent to which this Regulation has contributed to ensuring a high level of welfare for dogs and cats, improving traceability, reducing illegal trade, and addressing the problems associated with inhumane breeding practices, including so-called puppy and kitten mills;
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point b (new): (b) whether the scope of this Regulation remains fit for purpose, taking into account market developments, scientific and technological progress,and animal welfare considerations; and whether the current exceptions remain appropriate and sufficient in light of these developments;
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point c (new): (c) whether scientifical and technological progress has occurred, including development of new means of identification, taking into account their technical reliability, cost-effectiveness and invasiveness for the animal;
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point d (new): (d) the impact of this Regulation on breeders, shelters, foster homes, and other operators, including the administrative burden and compliance costs;
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point e (new): (e) the level of enforcement and compliance achieved by Member States, and the effectiveness of the cooperation between competent authorities, including data exchange and traceability mechanisms,
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point f (new): (f) the feasibility, costs and benefits of introducing a digital passport for dogs and cats which could contain information on the identification, vaccination status and medical history of the animal.
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 – point g (new): (g) the feasibility, impact and proportionality of extending mandatory identification and registration to all dogs and cats, including those kept by private owners,
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 1 a (new): 1a. By 2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall assess the possibility of registering dogs and cats, in accordance with Article 21(3), upon their entry into the Union, and shall present a report on its main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions.
AddedArticle 26 – paragraph 2: 2. By [12 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], the Commission shall carry out an evaluation of this Regulation, including an assessment of a possible maximum age for breeding of dogs and cats, and present a report on the main findings to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions.
AddedArticle 27 – paragraph 1: Member States shall lay down the rules on penalties applicable to infringements of this Regulation, as well as those resulting from the abandonment of pets, and shall take all measures necessary to ensure that they are implemented. The penalties provided for shall be effective, proportionate and dissuasive.
AddedArticle 27 – paragraph 1 a (new): Member States shall ensure that the level of the financial penalties imposed for violations of this Regulation and of the rules referred to in Article 2(1), involving fraud or deception, reflects, in accordance with national law, at least the economic advantage for the operator, or, where appropriate, a percentage of the operator´s turnover and is high enough to have a deterrent effect. In cases where the infringements of the requirements of this Regulation are serious and repeated, Member States shall ensure that the penalties include a prohibition on working with and owning animals.
AddedArticle 28 – paragraph 2: It shall apply from [2 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation], except: / (i) Article 13 from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; / (ii) Article 9(2) and Article 19(1) from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; / (iii) Article 12, Article 17(4) and (6), Article 19(2) and (2a), and Article 21(1) to (4a) from 5 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; / (iv) Article 7a from 6 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation; and / (v) Article 17(1) to (3) - in relation to dogs from 3 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation - in relation to cats 7 years from the date of entry into force of this Regulation..
AI: Note on change 96 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds national rules clause and changes evaluation timeline.
Change 97
ChangedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.1:1.1 – introductory part: 1.1. Dogs and cats shall be fed at least twice per day. Puppies and kittens shall be fed more frequentlyfrequently. / (deleted)These /requirements (deleted)shall /not (deleted)apply /to (deleted)breeding establishments where livestock guardian dogs are kept during the periods when such dogs are used for herding purposes.
AI: Note on change 97 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds exception for livestock guardian dogs from feeding frequency.
Change 98
RemovedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.2: 1.2. Each puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum during at least the first two days of its life, and thereafter with milk from its mother or a lactating bitch or queen. If this is not possible or not sufficient, the puppy or kitten shall be fed with a milk replacer designed for puppies and kittens with such feeding frequency as instructed by the producer of the replacer or by a veterinarian.
AddedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point a: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point b: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point c: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.1 – point d: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 1 – point 1.2: 1.2. Each puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum during at least the first two days of its life and thereafter with milk from its mother or a lactating bitch or queen. If this is not possible, because is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring or not sufficient, the puppy or kitten shall be fed with a milk replacer designed for puppies and kittens with such feeding frequency as instructed by the producer of the replacer or by a veterinarian.
AI: Note on change 98 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Clarifies colostrum feeding requirement.
Change 99
AddedAnnex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point a: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 2 – point 2.1 – paragraph 1 – point b: deleted
AI: Note on change 99 · formal Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Deletes empty points in Annex I.
Change 100
RemovedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.1: deleted
AddedAnnex I – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new): 2.2 a. Dogs shall have access to an outdoor area or shall be walked daily for a minimum of 1 hour per day in total, or to allow exercise, exploration and socialisation
RemovedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.2: 3.2. Bitches shall only be bred from their second oestrus.
AddedAnnex I – point 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3: Member States may grant derogations from the minimum space allowances requirements set out in paragraph 2.3.1 for hunting dogs used to living in packs.
AI: Note on change 100 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds daily outdoor access or walking requirement for dogs.
Change 101
ChangedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.2 a (new):3.2: 3.2a.3.2. QueensBitches shall only be bred only iffrom their age is at least 12 months or they have reached the breed specific age of skeletalsecond maturityoestrus;
AI: Note on change 101 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Changes breeding age requirement for bitches to second oestrus.
Change 102
ChangedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.4: 3.4. For bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns,stillborns within a period of 2 years, there shall be a recuperation period of at least 1 year.
AI: Note on change 102 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Extends recuperation period requirement to queens.
Change 103
ChangedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.4 a (new): 3.4a.3.4 a. Any bitch or queen that has undergone two cesarean sections shall no longer be used for breeding.breeding
AI: Note on change 103 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds prohibition on breeding after two cesarean sections.
Change 104
ChangedAnnex I – point 3 – point 3.4 b (new): 3.4b.3.4 b. Before any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more, is used for breeding, it must have been physically examined by a veterinarian who confirms in writing that, at the time of the examination, there are no counter-indications to pregnancy. The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred for a period of at least 3 years
Change 105
RemovedAnnex II – paragraph 1 – introductory part: Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:
AddedAnnex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – point c: (c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and if possible, structures for climbing and hiding, and reducing frustration of animals;
AddedAnnex II – introductory part: Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:
AI: Note on change 105 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds enrichment structures requirement.
Change 106
ChangedAnnex III – point 2 a (new): 2a. Number of breeding and selling establishments whose approval has been suspended or withdrawn per yearyear.
AI: Note on change 106 · substance Written by AI from the official text — check the source · deepseek-v4-flash · 4 Sept 2026
Adds selling establishments to reporting on suspended approvals.
Sources & citation
Where the facts on this page come from, and how to cite it.
- Data source
- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
- Retrieved
- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2025). “Changes between AGRI-PR-766982 and A-10-2025-0104”. Text, 10 June 2025. from AGRI-PR-766982, to A-10-2025-0104, reference 2023/0447(COD). EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-PR-766982/compare/A-10-2025-0104 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: European Parliament Open Data, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/ (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-2025-06-10,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{Changes between AGRI-PR-766982 and A-10-2025-0104}},
year = {2025},
date = {2025-06-10},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-PR-766982/compare/A-10-2025-0104}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/AGRI-PR-766982/compare/A-10-2025-0104},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. from AGRI-PR-766982, to A-10-2025-0104, reference 2023/0447(COD). Data: European Parliament Open Data (CC BY 4.0)}
}