EPO Contributes to European Parliament Discussion on the Implementation of the New EU Rules on the Welfare & Traceability of Dogs and Cats
On June 3rd, 2026, EPO, as the voice of the pet sector at European level, contributed to a high-level event held at the European Parliament under the umbrella of the MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development entitled “The New EU Rules on the Welfare and Traceability of Dogs and Cats – Delivering Effective Implementation.”
Hosted by MEP Manuela Ripa, Rapporteur for the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee on this file, the event brought together policymakers, European Commission representatives, veterinarians, breeders, animal welfare organisations and pet sector stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the newly adopted EU Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats.
The event attracted a full house and strong engagement from participants, including four Members of the European Parliament from across the political spectrum: MEP Manuela Ripa (EPP, Germany), MEP Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA, Luxembourg), MEP Petras Auštrevičius (Renew Europe, Lithuania) and MEP Carola Everding (The Left, Germany), alongside policy advisers from several political groups involved in the legislative process.
As the voice of the pet sector at European level, EPO welcomed the opportunity to contribute to discussions on this landmark legislation and its implementation. During his intervention, EPO President Svein A. Fosså highlighted EPO’s constructive engagement throughout the legislative process and its support for a harmonised framework that strengthens animal welfare, improves traceability and helps combat illegal trade while remaining practical, proportionate and enforceable.
A key focus of the event was the transition from legislation to implementation. Speakers and participants emphasised that the success of the new rules will depend on close cooperation between EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders. In this context, EPO underlined the important contribution that the pet sector can make by providing practical expertise and real-world experience to support the effective implementation of the Regulation.
The event also provided an important opportunity to further raise the profile of the pet sector within the European Parliament and among EU decision-makers. The strong level of participation demonstrated the growing recognition of the role that responsible pet sector stakeholders can play in supporting the objectives of the Regulation, including improved animal welfare, enhanced traceability, greater consumer confidence and the fight against illegal trade.
As attention now turns to the development of the delegated and implementing acts that will shape the practical application of the Regulation, EPO looks forward to continuing its dialogue with EU institutions, Member States and stakeholders and to contributing its expertise to support effective and workable implementation across the European Union.
