Act for pets call
"Animals are suffering and consumers are being misled and this is happening in a poorly regulated trade."
The chief executive of Cats Protection has called on the European Parliament to take action for pets by establishing controls on commercial breeding.
Peter Hepburn spoke at a recent Eurogroup for Animals' event and explained that while millions of cats and dogs are well-cared for there are some - too many - that are still seen as purely a source of income, being used solely for breeding for commercial trading.
He told the tale of Lily who came into Cats Protection at 10-years-old after being used for breeding over and over again and who had come into their care with her four kittens. This demand had taken its toll and she was suffering from severe kidney failure.
"The vet explained that there was nothing more we could do for her. Her kidneys would not hold out much longer and the kindest thing we could do was end her suffering... It was then a race to get her tiny kittens weaned as they were still just a few weeks old - much earlier than we would normally wean but we didn't want to compromise her welfare…In the interests of trade this poor cat suffered kidney failure and lost her life."
Mr Hepburn said this emphasised why it was important for the European Union to establish effective control of the trade, for the benefit of cats, dogs and their owners.
"We have about 66 million owned cats and 60 million owned dogs within the European Union… Every day, whether it is 100 puppies in a puppy farm or 100 kittens in 25 domestic kitchens, animals are suffering and consumers are being misled and this is happening in a poorly regulated trade. This is where European legislation is key...
"A growing body growing body of evidence shows a rise in illegal pet trading (mainly in puppies) throughout the EU. Traders are exploiting existing weaknesses in the system to move animals (more often than not in horrific circumstances) via non-commercial means, yet for wholly commercial purposes. And even where better enforcement of legislation could help – how can the age of a kitten or puppy be proven against a passport that is still too open to fraud?"
He continued; "Eurogroup for Animals and our Member Organisations, including Cats Protection, believe that there is a demonstrable need for mandatory identification and registration of companion animals at European level, so that it is clear where responsibility lies for ownership and care. This would also bring the commercial trading of pets via non-commercial bases out of the shadows, and provide for healthier and happier animals and better consumer protection. Alongside this, the introduction of breeding and trade standards would provide a level playing field across the Union, ensuring that cats and dogs are born, reared and socialised in ways that would maximise their welfare throughout their lives."
Mr Hepburn said three priority areas have been identified - traceability - requiring owner to have pets registered shortly after the animal's birth and microchipped and for this information to change as the cat or dog changes hands; greater transparency of the market in cats and dogs - who is selling them and ensuring they are registered and regulated in some way; and minimum breeding standards.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
