19th June 2025 – In a landmark vote today, the European Parliament approved significant enhancements to the proposed regulation on the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs.

Four Paws and the Intergroup applaud MEPs for supporting the three key pillars of the proposal: Minimum standards for all breeders; improved traceability of cats and dogs; and the introduction of a Positive List.

Minimum standards for all breeders – a real breakthrough for animal protection. Basic standards such as proper feeding, veterinary care and protection from abuse will now apply to all breeders; hopefully closing the door on unregulated breeding in the abusive puppy and kitten mills.

A bold step against the illegal pet trade – supporting full registration and identification of all dogs and cats; not just those placed on the market. This long overdue measure will make it significantly harder for illegal breeders to operate under the radar; as every animal must now be traceable. This action now finally closes the loophole for illegal breeders.

Online sales – still work in progress.

MEPs voted against integrating the online registration systems that the European Commission was planning to develop. This would have ensured that only animals that have been verifiably identified and registered can be advertised online.

But in a fantastic move; the Euro parliament voted in favour of banning the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops – YES !

This closes off a major channel for impulsive buying and irresponsible breeding often linked to bad welfare conditions. By removing animals from shop windows; the regulation prioritises more transparent and ethical avenues for adoption.