Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

Article 17 – paragraph 5: deleted

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:

Article 17 – paragraph 7 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part: The Commission shall adopt implementing acts laying down:

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;

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.

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;

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]

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.

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);

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.

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.

Article 19 – paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 – point b: (b) the interoperability between Member States databases and the index database;

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].

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…

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;

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point b: (ii) conditions recognised by the Union in accordance with Article 129 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 to be equivalent to those set out by Chapter II of this Regulation; or

Article 21 – paragraph 1 – point c: (iii) where applicable, requirements contained in a specific agreement between the Union and the exporting country.

Article 21 – paragraph 2: (b) they come from a third country or territory and an establishment listed in accordance with Articles 126 and 127 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625.

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.

Article 21 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 2: deleted

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…

Article 21 – paragraph 5: deleted

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:

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point a: (a) watering and feeding requirements and weaning process;

Change 94

ChangedArticle 22 – paragraph 1 – point c: (c) lightinglightin requirements;

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point h: (h) minimum and maximum age of bitches and queens for breeding;

Article 22 – paragraph 1 – point j: (j) requirements for transponders used to individually identify dogs and cats;

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.

Article 23 – paragraph 2: 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 6(2b), Article 6a(3) and Article 22 shall be conferred on the Commission for an indeterminate period of time from [the date of entry into force of this Regulation].