By Selen Valente Rasquinho
BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU is working to establish common standards to tackle stray animal-related issues due to varying practices across member states and improve animal welfare.
The measures include mandatory neutering, microchipping, registration, and increased caregiver competency.
Despite the rarity of stray animals on the streets in most European countries, the EU continues to seek a unified approach to address this issue across member states.
In early April, a report from the EU's Economic and Social Committee emphasized that stray dogs pose a significant problem in several areas of Southern and Eastern Europe. They present major public health risks by elevating the chances of aggression and rabies transmission.
The report added that the only sustainable method for reducing the number of stray dogs is by implementing mandatory neutering policies for animals in shelters and non-pedigree animals with identifiable owners.
According to the European Commission, a significant number of cats and dogs are admitted to state-run or non-profit shelters across the EU each year.
In Belgium, 7,000 dogs and 26,000 cats are left in shelters annually, while in Spain, the figures are around 100,000 dogs and 30,000 cats.
- EU animal welfare standards
A 2023 Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Parliament indicated that 74% of EU citizens believe better protection is needed for the welfare of pets.
Although responsibility lies with member states, the EU is working to achieve a common standard for animal welfare and eliminate disparities between countries.
Anna Gray, spokeswoman for the European Commission’s Department of Health and Food Safety, told Anadolu that the commission has been working on the "biggest reform of EU animal welfare rules in 20 years" regarding animal wellbeing, especially in transportation.
The Commission presented a legislative proposal on Dec. 7, introducing new rules for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
The bill, prepared following scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority, has yet to be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
The bill, which Gray shared with Anadolu, aims to establish EU standards for the breeding, housing, and care of pets in breeding facilities, pet shops, and shelters.
It also seeks to combat illegal trade through online sales by making identification and registration in national databases mandatory, thus enhancing the traceability of these animals.
- Shelter overcrowding poses major risks
The legislative proposal notes that particularly in Southern and Eastern European countries, the number of stray and sheltered animals is quite high, adding, that overcrowding in shelters poses significant risks to poor animal welfare conditions.
The proposal sets minimum requirements for the welfare and monitoring of dogs and cats bred or housed in facilities within member states.
General welfare conditions include providing adequate food and water, comfortable physical environments, disease and injury prevention, and opportunities for positive social interactions with humans and other animals.
It also specifies that caregivers must understand the biological, physiological, and behavioral needs of the animals and recognize signs of distress, ensuring appropriate measures are taken to alleviate them.
Regular training for caregivers is mandated.
The proposal prohibits housing animals in conditions that restrict their natural movements, except for necessary procedures like identification, microchipping, vaccinations, and health or reproductive purposes.
Indoor confinement exceeding one hour, except during medical treatment, will not be allowed.
Shelter operators and responsible individuals must ensure conditions that enable animals to exhibit harmless social behaviors, and species-specific behaviors, and experience positive emotions.
Operators of breeding facilities must also implement strategies for socializing animals with humans and other animals where possible.
- Mandatory microchipping, registration
The proposal mandates that dogs and cats in breeding facilities, shelters, pet shops, and owned pets be marked with subcutaneous microchips for identification.
All dogs and cats must be registered in national database by a veterinarian or an assistant under veterinary supervision.
Dogs and cats in breeding facilities must be registered in the name of the facility owner, while those in shelters must be registered in the name of the shelter operator.