The new Animal Health Law has been significantly strengthened thanks to the work of Eurogroup for Animals, and is the first law to establish the link between animal well-being and public health. The law will serve as an important toolbox to improve good husbandry practices and to fight against antimicrobial resistance. Furthermore, thanks to several key amendments proposed by Eurogroup for Animals, the law will also require all pet breeders and sellers to be registered with competent authorities, providing a key pillar for the improved transparency and traceability of these animals.

Commenting after the adoption of the law, Reineke Hameleers, Director of Eurogroup for Animals commented: “We have worked hard to get this result and I am proud to say that thanks to our advocacy efforts and the support of key actors in the EU institutions, every animal holder in Europe will need to follow good animal husbandry practices and use medicine in a prudent and responsible way.”

“In addition to acknowledging the important role of veterinarians and pet owners in caring for animals, the new law will ensure that disease control measures take animal welfare into account, sparing animals any avoidable pain, distress or suffering. Stakeholder consultation requirements in the context of contingency planning will allow animal welfare organisations to support the best possible outcomes for animals. Moreover the law introduces important prevention mechanisms to avoid disease outbreaks.”

“By working with MEPs, Member States and the European Commission, Eurogroup for Animals has also ensured that all pet breeders will need to register themselves. Whilst this won’t solve existing problems related to poor breeding and the illegal trade of pets, it should bring many shadowy practices into the light, and will allow for proper regulation at national level.”

“Of course, many provisions in the Regulation are heavily reliant on the use of delegated and implementing acts, many of which provide the Commission with the means to further animal health and welfare. We now look forward to seeing a slew of these draft acts. The Commission now has no excuse to rest on its laurels.” she added.