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Eurogroup for Animals
Eurogroup for Animals is the leading voice for animal welfare at European Union level providing a voice for the billions of animals kept in laboratories, farms and homes or living in the wild.
We are recognised by the European Parliament and Commission as the leading animal welfare organisation at EU level and represent animal welfare interests on many EU advisory committees and consultation bodies.
We are recognised by the European Parliament and Commission as the leading animal welfare organisation at EU level and represent animal welfare interests on many EU advisory committees and consultation bodies.
Our expertise and professionalism makes us a respected partner and advisor which:
- Promotes best practices in livestock production so that the millions of farm animal are spared avoidable suffering on farm, in transport and at the time of slaughter
- Works with retailers and food producers to ensure policies and products are continuously introduced which significantly improve the way farm animals are kept for food
- Accelerates the uptake of alternative test methods changing the focus from animal tests to more humane and more reliable non-animal methods
- Creates strong alliances with stakeholders to introduce change in culture and policies on animal welfare
Companion animals
It is estimated that there are around 60 million owned dogs and 64 million owned cats in the European Union, but there is currently very little EU legislation to protect their welfare. National legislation can vary greatly, with some countries having strict legislation to protect dogs and cats and others having very little at all.
This means that whilst many dogs and cats in the EU are loved and cared for as members of the family, the way in which they are treated can vary greatly across Europe.
A wide range of serious welfare issues can affect dogs and cats in the European Union and some of these can affect them for large parts of, or all of their lives. We are particularly concerned about issues such as irresponsible breeding, trade and movements across borders.
This means that whilst many dogs and cats in the EU are loved and cared for as members of the family, the way in which they are treated can vary greatly across Europe.
A wide range of serious welfare issues can affect dogs and cats in the European Union and some of these can affect them for large parts of, or all of their lives. We are particularly concerned about issues such as irresponsible breeding, trade and movements across borders.
ABOUT THE ISSUE
One in 3 households own pets, mainly dogs and cats. For most people they belong to the family but an important number of abandoned animals, end up in shelters or on the street and many get euthanized each year. The breeding and sale of dogs is a lucrative business with the welfare of the animals often compromised by overbreeding, genetic breed related diseases, and puppy trafficking.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION
The EU has no laws to protect companion animals but for health reasons and traceability requires dogs, cats and ferrets which are travelling with their owners and passing borders to be identified, vaccinated and have a pet passport. In November 2010, the Ministers of Agriculture called upon the European Commission to investigate differences between member states rules and the need to develop a harmonised approach across the EU for companion animals.
The EU Animal welfare strategy foresees a report on the welfare of dogs and cats in commercial practices to be carried out in 2014.
WHAT ARE WE CALLING FOR
One in 3 households own pets, mainly dogs and cats. For most people they belong to the family but an important number of abandoned animals, end up in shelters or on the street and many get euthanized each year. The breeding and sale of dogs is a lucrative business with the welfare of the animals often compromised by overbreeding, genetic breed related diseases, and puppy trafficking.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT SITUATION
The EU has no laws to protect companion animals but for health reasons and traceability requires dogs, cats and ferrets which are travelling with their owners and passing borders to be identified, vaccinated and have a pet passport. In November 2010, the Ministers of Agriculture called upon the European Commission to investigate differences between member states rules and the need to develop a harmonised approach across the EU for companion animals.
The EU Animal welfare strategy foresees a report on the welfare of dogs and cats in commercial practices to be carried out in 2014.
WHAT ARE WE CALLING FOR
- An EU-wide obligation to identify and register dogs and cats in order to ensure lost animals are reunited with their owners and ensure traceability of the animals
- Policies to restrict the breeding of dogs and cats in a way which is likely to cause health and welfare problems
- Policies and regulations to restrict the breeding and sale of dogs and cats in a way which is likely to cause health and welfare problems
- Information and education of consumers and the general public to promote responsible ownership and duty of care
Source: Eurogroupforanimals