EU tightens pet regulations and Flemish politicians demand action on dog bites
The European Parliament has approved new legislation to standardise the rules governing the breeding, sale and ownership of dogs and cats across the EU. While the legislation includes measures to combat the illegal pet trade and improve animal welfare, concerns in Flanders about the number of dog bite incidents have also been raised again.
Pet ownership is widespread in the EU, with around 44% of households keeping animals. The market for dogs and cats alone is worth an estimated €1.3 billion a year, with around 60% of pets being acquired online. However, inconsistent national regulations have left room for abuse, including the illegal trafficking of animals and widespread welfare violations in breeding and selling practices.
Microchipped and registered
Under the new rules, all dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered in national databases that are linked to a new European index, which is managed by the European Commission. The legislation also introduces minimum welfare standards for breeders, shelters and sellers, but not for private owners or hunters.
The sale of cats and dogs in pet shops would be banned, as would inbreeding and the use of prong or choke collars without safety features. The breeding of animals with extreme physical traits that harm their health, such as flat-faced dogs or genetically deformed cats, would also be prohibited.
Long-standing commitments
Although negotiations with member states have yet to begin, MP Gianna Werbrouck (Vooruit) is already urging Flemish Animal Welfare minister Ben Weyts (N-VA) to honour long-standing commitments set out in the regional coalition agreement. These include introducing a mandatory reflection period before acquiring a pet and establishing a formal framework for recognising certified dog behaviour therapists.
Werbrouck is making this call in response to the estimated 40,000 to 100,000 dog bite incidents reported annually in Belgium. The Vooruit politician is demanding swift national action, warning that animal shelters are reaching capacity and that previously announced measures remain unimplemented.
Irresponsible ownership
Werbrouck argues that dog bite incidents are often caused by irresponsible ownership rather than by the behaviour of the dogs themselves, and that proper education and clearer guidance for owners are urgently needed.
To this end, she is advocating greater access to training and information sessions for dog owners, pointing out that several local authorities in Belgium have already begun offering such initiatives. “These incidents, combined with overcrowded shelters, underline the urgent need for effective enforcement,” she said.
#FlandersNewsService | © AFP
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