Species : Cats

In response to concerns about the mass slaughter of stray dogs in Turkey, the Commission points out that animal welfare is not regulated at EU level for third countries. However, it supports the actions of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE),of which Turkey is a member, to promote international standards on the ethical management of dog populations.

European Commission answer to a question from a Member of the European Parliament on the measures it envisages for the management of stray animals in the Member States. No common legislative framework is planned for stray animals other than those kept in shelters, but funding is being put in place via the WHOA regional platform to facilitate the application of international standards.

Press release announcing the adoption by the European Parliament of groundbreaking rules on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, including compulsory electronic identification and a ban on breeding establishments for animals with extreme characteristics.

Information published by the European Commission outlining the stages of the revision of the regulations on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability, the new draft of which was published on December 7, 2023.

Answer to a question from French Assembly members concerning the actions taken to circumvent the ban on the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops introduced on January 1, 2024 intended to restrict impulse purchases and abandonment. Without a clear system of penalties, online sales with in-store collections are continuing.  The Government states that it plans to tighten regulation and controls, notably via a dedicated pet welfare plan launched in May 2024.

Question from a French Deputy to the government on how the law on stray cats should be implemented and what local councillors need to do to gain access to the funding earmarked to deal with the problem of stray cats, in particular through sterilization.

Corine Vignon (Ensemble pour la République) has asked the Ministry about follow-up actions following the national pet welfare plan launched in May 2024. The Government reminds her that this plan aims to combat abandonment and abuse through coordinated actions between ministries and those active in the sector. It is based on five axes, including improving knowledge, training, strengthening regulations and funding. Interministerial governance and tools such as the "Ma sécurité" platform will enable better monitoring and more effective application of measures.

In response to a question from a Deputy on the abusive euthanasia practices of some shelters and pounds, the French government replies that it is closely monitoring the issue of animal euthanasia, and has set up the Observatoire de la protection des carnivores domestiques (OCAD) to improve the collection of information on abandonment and euthanasia figures. The oversight framework for the pet trade is designed to limit impulse buying and encourage responsible adoption. OCAD is continuing its work to refine the data and strengthen animal protection.

In response to a question from a Deputy on the fact that, although the sale of dogs and cats in pet shops has been illegal since January 2024, the absence of penalties hampers enforcement, the government notes that the temporary accommodation in pet shops of animals involved in online sales is tolerated. It is also working on strengthening the European regulations on the welfare and traceability of pets.

Technical instruction extending the deadline for the spending of grants allocated in 2024 for the sterilization of stray and domestic cats by local authorities.