Changes between two versions
What changed between the plenary report and the adopted text
From · plenary report· 10 Jun 2025
on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability
AI:What changed, in short
Expands the scope to cover all dogs and cats bred or kept in the Union, and extends identification to all pets.151630 Tightens welfare rules: prohibits pet shops, restricts mutilations, adds breeding limits, and changes veterinary visits.12222526 Adds new obligations for the Commission: public shelter database, review of the regulation, and assessment of a pet species list.3138 Adjusts market definitions and exemptions, and allows member states to use fines for shelters.171839 Other changes are formal or wording: corrections, rephrasing, and updated citations.1345
28 changes of substance · 4 formal · 12 of wording only
Written by AI from the two texts only · read the changes before relying on it · 4 Sept 2026 · Report a problem
+23 added · −37 removed · 30 changed paragraphs, packaging included.
Part 6 of 7: Paragraphs 301–314
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 – point 2.2.4: 2.2.4. Dogs and cats shall have the possibility to be without artificial lights for at least 8 hours per day.
Change 41
Changed:Annex I – point 2 – point 2.2 a (new): 2.2 a.2.2a. Dogs shall have access to an outdoor area or shall be walked daily for a minimum of 1 hour per day in total, or to allow exercise, exploration and socialisation
4 unchanged paragraphs
Annex I – point 2 – point 2.3 – point 2.3.3: Member States may grant derogations from the minimum space allowances requirements set out in paragraph 2.3.1 for hunting dogs used to living in packs.
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.2: 3.2. Bitches shall only be bred from their second oestrus;
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.3: 3.3. A bitch or queen shall not deliver more than 3 litters within a period of 2 years.
Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4: 3.4. For bitches and queens that have delivered 3 litters, including stillborns within a period of 2 years, there shall be a recuperation period of at least 1 year.
Change 42
Changed:Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 a (new): 3.4 a.3.4a. Any bitch or queen that has undergone two cesarean sections shall no longer be used for breeding
Change 43
Changed:Annex I – point 3 – point 3.4 b (new): 3.4 b.3.4b. Before any bitch aged 8 years or more and any queen aged 6 years or more, is used for breeding, it must have been physically examined by a veterinarian who confirms in writing that, at the time of the examination, there are no counter-indications to pregnancy. The operator shall keep the written confirmation referred for a period of at least 3 years
Annex I – point 4 – point 4.1 – point c: (c) areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and if possible, structures for climbing and hiding, and reducing frustration of animals;
Annex II – introductory part: Transponders used to individually identify dogs and cat as required in Article 17 and Article 21 shall meet the following requirements:
Change 44
Changed:Annex III – point 1: 1. Number of dogs and cats registered per year as referred to in Article 17 and Article 21 (4);21(4);
Annex III – point 1 a (new): 1a. Number of establishments registered per year in accordance with Article 7;
Annex III – point 2: 2. Number of breeding establishments approved per year as referred to in Article 7a.
Annex III – point 2 a (new): 2a. Number of breeding and selling establishments whose approval has been suspended or withdrawn per year.