The Key Points of the New EU Regulation on Dog Welfare and Traceability
The European Parlament has given its final approval to the first EU-wide rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats yesterday. This is an important step in the EU legislative process, but it does not mean that detailed technical rules are already in place.
The Regulation aims to IMPROVE ANIMAL WELFARE, strengthen TRACEABILITY, and address IRRESPONSIBLE or ABUSIVE PRACTICES in the breeding, keeping, sale and movement of dogs and cats. These objectives are closely aligned with the FCI’s long-standing commitment to responsible breeding, canine health and welfare, traceability, education, and cooperation with public authorities.
The next phase will be particularly important. Further technical rules will be developed in the coming years, including on excessive conformational traits and on genotypes associated with detrimental effects on health and welfare. According to the current timeline, DELEGATED ACTS on excessive conformational traits are expected by 2030, while DELEGATED ACTS concerning detrimental genotypes are expected by 2036.
Implementation and enforcement will primarily take place at the EU Member State level. National Canine Organisations will therefore have an important role in supporting responsible breeders, contributing breed-specific expertise, and participating constructively in national discussions.
It is important to participate in all the discussions related to defining the "excessive conformational traits" in cynology – both at the national (National Kennel Organisations) and European (FCI and the FCI Europe Section) level – for a better understanding. The breeders' influence is crucial at this point to ensure that the legislation reflects both nature's creativity and the traditions of human cultural heritage and their purposes. The FCI already worked and continues to work by being invited there, and I am asking the National Canine Organisations to do that in their own country, in their own language, with their own decision makers!
The FCI remains actively connected to the process. The European Commission has already consulted the FCI and has confirmed that the FCI’s expertise will continue to be sought during the preparation of future technical legislation and stakeholder consultations.
The FCI will continue to support balanced, evidence-based and proportionate measures that protect dogs, recognise responsible breeding, and preserve the health, welfare, functionality and diversity of pedigree breeds.
Help us in our work and sign the FCI petition to support responsible breeders, that can be a tool to provide an evidence in our hands!
Sign the petition https://c.org/BchmCxfdwM
Dr Tamás Jakkel
FCI President