eu dog — Cyprus is unprepared for the new EU dog and cat welfare regulation set to take effect in the coming months. The European Union has mandated its member states to implement a comprehensive framework aimed at enhancing the welfare and traceability of pets, following the European Parliament’s approval of strict measures on 19 June 2025.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
This regulation introduces rigorous standards for breeding, housing, and handling of dogs and cats, alongside universal microchip identification. The goal is to improve transparency for consumers and foster fair competition among breeders, sellers, and shelters without imposing undue burdens on existing pet owners.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Eu dog: New Standards for Pet Welfare
The measures under discussion focus on establishing minimum welfare standards for animal facilities. These include requirements for adequate space, proper lighting, sufficient ventilation, and access to food and water. Additionally, regular inspections and annual veterinary visits will be mandated to ensure compliance and proper record-keeping.
Identification is a central aspect of the new regulation; every dog and cat must have a microchip and be registered in a national database prior to being sold or adopted. This database will be interoperable across the EU, allowing for easy tracing of each animal’s origin and ownership history.
Implications for Cyprus
For Cyprus, the passing of this regulation necessitates the establishment of a unified national registry for dogs and cats, linked to the broader European database. The Veterinary Services are designated as the competent authority, responsible for conducting inspections, licensing facilities, and performing annual veterinary checks. Sanctions for non-compliance will need to be effective and proportionate, while clear guidelines for online advertisements are essential.
Concerns Over Preparedness
Despite the lengthy discussion surrounding these regulations within the EU, Cyprus has yet to make significant preparations for their implementation. Charalambos Theopemptou, the president of the Environment Committee, expressed concerns about the country’s readiness. He pointed out that while identification for dogs has been in place since 2002, many dogs remain unregistered, and the challenge of identifying the owners of the estimated one million cats in Cyprus remains unresolved.
Theopemptou emphasised that the regulation will automatically come into force without needing parliamentary approval. “The government has known about it since 2022,” he stated, noting that other countries have been proactive in their preparations. He reiterated that the regulation’s final text is pending a vote in the European Parliament, expected later this year.
Call for Action
The situation calls for immediate action from the government, municipalities, pet shops, and breeders in Cyprus. They must evaluate existing legislation, organise their records, and enhance facilities to comply with the forthcoming standards. The urgency for coordination between the national registry and the European system cannot be overstated, as the timeline for implementation approaches.
The new regulations represent a significant shift in how pets are treated across the EU, aiming to combat illegal trade and improve animal welfare standards. As the deadline looms, the need for effective preparation in Cyprus becomes increasingly critical.
Leave a Reply