Last Thursday (19th June), the European Parliament voted in favour of adopting the first European legislation to protect dogs and cats. Despite some gaps and the fact that the text still needs to be negotiated between the three European institutions, the vote represents a fundamental milestone towards the approval of this historic text. Almo Nature is directly engaged, and not through the Fondazione Capellino, within the scope of its Companion for Life project, as the only product brand, alongside many European animal protection associations, both in Brussels and in individual member states, to support stronger demands to MEPs. This work will continue in the coming months to secure legislation without too many gaps.

Important Progress for Dogs and Cats

On 19th June, the European Parliament adopted its amendments to the proposed Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats. The vote followed that of the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI Committee), which on 3rd June had approved amendments to the proposal itself. The full Parliament vote extended and strengthened the positions adopted in committee.

Among the most significant advances of this vote, MEPs supported a ban on selling dogs and cats in pet shops, the obligation to register microchip numbers in a unified European database, and the introduction of a regulated list of animal species that can be considered companion animals. MEPs also extended the scope of the regulation to cover movements of dogs and cats for non-commercial purposes, so that the rules also apply to animals entering the EU for reasons other than sale. If this measure is maintained in the final version, all dogs and cats entering the EU, even if not intended for sale, will be covered by the legislation. Finally, new rules were adopted to ensure animal welfare in breeding facilities, including a minimum age for separation from the mother and a maximum number of litters per month and per year.

Some Gaps Persist in the Fight Against Dog and Cat Trafficking, Requiring Focused Action Following Analysis

The proposed changes remain partial nonetheless. For example, MEPs did not go so far as to require mandatory identification and registration for all dogs and cats before sale. Consequently, all animals sold online – precisely those most at risk – have been left out of this obligation, which would be an effective solution to combat illegal trafficking.

Furthermore, many animals remain excluded from the scope of the legislation, such as hunting dogs or those present on agricultural farms. This is a problematic exclusion, because these animals are particularly vulnerable to abuse.

The Role of Associations and Almo Nature in Animal Protection

Negotiations on this legislative text have significantly mobilised associations engaged in the protection of dogs and cats, which Almo Nature has joined. In addition to being part of the Reintegration Economy, a unique economic model focused on redistribution of profits for biodiversity conservation, Almo Nature participates, as the Companion for Life project alongside more than 20 associations. Together, they carry out awareness-raising actions and proposals to improve the texts now approved and those further along in the process.

Ambitious measures include recognition of animal specificity, the obligation to microchip and register all companion animals at birth, stricter regulation of dog and cat breeding and selling activities, as well as the application of effective criminal sanctions in case of legal violations.

These positions of the brand reflect the vision of Pier Giovanni Capellino, founder and president of Almo Nature, who believes legislation should trigger a paradigm shift in the way humans relate to non-humans. In particular, regarding dogs and cats, these efforts aim to end the concept of ownership in the human-animal companion relationship and give substance to a principle of human responsibility toward dogs and cats.

The Action Continues

Our efforts will continue during negotiations between European institutions with a view to the definitive adoption of the text. Although the UK is not a member, the support of both EU and non-EU citizens living here is vital. In this context, Almo Nature will intensify its commitment by strengthening dialogue with political decision-makers and working in alliance with animal protection associations. Your support is fundamental. In this regard, engagement initiatives will be launched shortly.