In the coming months, European Union member states are called upon to implement a pan-European framework for the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
On 19 June 2025, the European Parliament approved at first reading measures providing for strict rules on breeding, housing, and handling of animals, as well as universal microchip identification, aimed at enhancing traceability and combating illegal trade.
The EU initiative aims to ensure greater transparency for consumers and fair competition for breeders, sellers, and shelters, without burdening existing pet owners.
European Parliament approved strict breeding and housing standards in June
Specifically, the changes being discussed in the EU concern establishing minimum welfare standards for facilities such as space, lighting, ventilation, access to water/food, socialisation, breeding rules and restrictions on painful practices. Additionally, facilities must be inspected regularly, with annual veterinary visits and record-keeping.
Regarding identification and registries, every dog and cat must carry a microchip and be registered in a national database before being placed on the market. The databases will become interoperable across the EU to easily trace origin and transfers from all EU countries.
Furthermore, changes arise in online advertisements, as a free European verification system for identification/registration is expected to be established so that interested parties can check that the animal is legally declared before buying or adopting.
Details will be determined by implementing acts.
Additionally, rules on imports from third countries are strengthened so that only animals originating from equivalent welfare conditions and bearing microchips enter the EU market.
National registry must connect to EU-wide database
With the passing of the regulation, Cyprus must create a unified national registry for dogs and cats, connected to the European one, and implement mandatory registration procedures.
The Veterinary Services must be designated as the competent authority for both species, undertaking inspections, facility licensing and annual veterinary inspections.
Sanctions must be established that are “effective, proportionate and dissuasive”, as well as clear rules for online advertisements. Related legislation must be amended, such as the Animal Protection and Welfare Law and the Dogs Law.
MP warns Cyprus has known about rules since 2022
Despite the fact that the regulations have been discussed for some time within the EU, Cyprus has not made any preparation to be in a position to implement the regulation.
The president of the Environment Committee, Charalambos Theopemptou, told philenews that the Republic of Cyprus appears unprepared to implement this framework.
As he explained, it cannot be implemented, as identification must be placed on cats, whilst we do not know who a cat belongs to. “In Cyprus we have one million cats”.
Additionally, he stated that identification for dogs has existed since 2002, whilst at the same time most dogs do not have the necessary identification.
He emphasised that now the Republic of Cyprus will be obliged by regulation. “The regulation does not need to pass through Parliament to be introduced into our legislation. It is applied automatically”.
He emphasised that minimum standards are being established for breeding facilities, pet sales shops and shelters for which we already have regulations that are not enforced, however.
Theopemptou clarified that what is being discussed are the provisions the regulation now has. He added that it has yet to be voted on by the European Parliament. “We do not yet know what the final text will include”.
He noted that the government has known about it since 2022. “It has had three years. They cannot come now and wonder what this is that was voted on”.
He noted that other countries know about it and are preparing. “It will probably be voted on at the end of the year,” he stated.
It is emphasised that the process is still ongoing; however, preparation is extensive.
Government, municipalities, shops and breeders must examine possible legislative adjustments and changes, organise their records, improve their facilities and prepare for connection with the future national registry and the corresponding European system.
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