Originally published in 2025. This article is retained for historical reference. For the current framework, consult our animal law guides and 2026 briefing.
Originally published 17 January 2025. Editorially revised on 8 November 2026 to distinguish proposals from applicable law.
Animal welfare reform: proposals and binding rules
Policy announcements, parliamentary proposals and enacted legislation must be distinguished. The earlier version of this article overstated several measures as already applicable. Those unsupported statements have been removed.
Transport and husbandry
The European Commission’s current transport overview continues to distinguish Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 from the proposal to replace it. Businesses should assess their obligations under the applicable text and monitor proposals separately. A political commitment to reform husbandry is not, by itself, a universally applicable ban.
Identification and breeding
Dog and cat requirements depend on the applicable national and regional rules and the relevant EU transitional provisions. Breeders and sellers should check the activity, species and implementation date rather than relying on a general claim that every obligation started in 2025.
Practical next step
For a current review, identify the activity, location, species and actual official requirements. Our 2026 briefing links directly to official materials.
Read the 2026 briefing · European Commission: transport framework