Vienna, 30 April 2025 – Snatched from their mothers, hidden inside cars, terminally ill, and smuggled across borders by unscrupulous sellers – only to die shortly after being sold to their unsuspecting new owners. This is the heartbreaking reality of thousands of puppies and kittens illegally traded in the European Union each year. With the EU’s annual demand for dogs valued at an estimated 4.6 billion euros, the illegal trade is cashing in on legal loopholes caused by inconsistent country regulations across the EU: 79% of these dogs cannot be traced back to verified or legal sources, according to global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS. With the upcoming vote on 14 May on the 'Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability' by the AGRI Committee, FOUR PAWS urges Members of the European Parliament to use this rare opportunity to achieve long-term change for animal welfare in the EU and curb the activities of criminal cross-border networks.

FOUR PAWS urges for two crucial amendments to the 'Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability' — which need to be voted into its final version on 14 May: Mandatory identification and registration (I&R) of all cats and dogs in the EU will make animals and their sellers become traceable, leaving no possibility for trafficking, illegal breeding and illegal trading. Additionally, all online ads for dogs and cats should only be granted the permission to be published if the dog or cat’s registration to the seller has been verified, ensuring accountability and transparency in every step of selling and purchasing a pet. This would protect animals and their future owners alike.

With stricter amendments in place, mandatory I&R would not only benefit animals for sale or kept in shelters or breeding facilities but even help those living on the streets as strays. If applied to stray animals, I&R can help document stray populations, monitor their health and allow for targeted sterilisation campaigns using sustainable and long-term solutions like the 'Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return' method (CNVR). The registration of a cat or dog to its keeper will also counter abandonment and neglect in the first place.

Over 50 organisations across the EU support the key demands raised by FOUR PAWS and ask MEPs to strengthen the upcoming regulation in an open letter.

Learn more:

• FOUR PAWS campaign against the illegal puppy trade in Europe
• FOUR PAWS 'Protect Puppies on Social Media' campaign