In a powerful move for animal welfare, the European Parliament has voted to ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet shops across the European Union. This is part of a sweeping package of new rules aimed at improving the welfare and traceability of companion animals.
The vote took place on June 19, 2025, and passed with overwhelming support: 457 in favor, 17 against, and 86 abstentions. This marks the first time the EU has proposed unified, binding welfare standards for cats and dogs.
What Does This Mean?
If implemented across member states, the new regulation would:
Ban the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores
Mandate microchipping and central registration for all cats and dogs, including those imported from outside the EU
Prohibit breeding between close relatives, and breeding animals for exaggerated physical traits that can cause health issues
Outlaw the use of electric collars, tethering, and other inhumane practices
Why Now?
The EU’s pet trade is worth an estimated €1.3 billion annually, with 60% of pet purchases happening online. However, this booming trade has also led to widespread concerns over illegal breeding, puppy mills, online scams, and poor animal welfare conditions.
By banning in-store sales and focusing on traceability, the EU aims to cut off the supply chain that enables irresponsible and sometimes cruel breeding practices.
What Happens Next?
This decision gives the European Parliament a negotiating mandate — the proposed law will now be discussed in trilogue negotiations with the European Commission and the Council of the EU, which represent the EU’s executive and member states. If agreed upon, the rules will become binding law across all EU countries.
A Step Toward a Kinder Future
Animal welfare organizations across Europe, including Four Paws and AnimaNaturalis, have praised the move as “historic”. It aligns the continent’s pet trade practices with evolving public attitudes that prioritize compassion, responsibility, and transparency.
While many countries have already enacted local laws, this EU-wide step could serve as a model for others — including nations grappling with unregulated breeding, lack of traceability, and pet shop abuses.
Note: Information in this article has been sourced from verified and publicly available reports across official and international media platforms.
