Puppy trade study launched by European Commission
A conference on companion animal welfare, hosted by the European Commission in Brussels this week, has marked the launch of a study into the puppy trade in the EU.
Opening addresses were delivered by Tonio Borg, European Commissioner for Health, and Prince Laurent of Belgium, a keen supporter of animal welfare.
The commission says that the lucrative trade in puppies and kittens is causing a range of issues such as genetic selection, puppy farming and inhumane disposal of animals, with consequences for animal welfare and public health. Despite this, there is no harmonised EU legislation to deal with these problems.
With concerns that dogs and cats are being bred in some EU states with welfare standards falling well below even the minimum UK standards, the RSPCA says it welcomes news of the study.
Joe Moran, the RSPCA's senior parliamentary adviser for Europe, says he hopes the study could be the first step towards licensing and registration of breeders and traders across the EU.
He said: "Research shows that up to one in five dogs brought in the UK may come via a puppy farm, whether from within the UK or from elsewhere in Europe. Many puppies sold from this trade also suffer from severe behavioural problems, meaning they can be very difficult to keep as pets.
"Moreover, some 60 per cent of infectious diseases to humans originate in animals. With puppies being trades illegally across the EU, without proper checks and often in dire conditions, the threat to human and animal health is both present and dangerous."
Although the RSPCA says the budget for the new study could limit the data acquired, it is hoped that the results could lead to improved legislation and welfare standards.
Taking into account the results of the study and conference, the European Commission says it will consider what further action is needed to improve animal welfare and the information available to consumers.
Mr Moran concluded: "The work will start in earnest with the new Commission when they come into post in November 2014. However, we hope that this study and any input we can provide will show that this is a problem that really does need tackling."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
