The protection and welfare of pets has become an issue that, over the years, has taken on significant social and political importance.

The pet industry cuts across a range of sectors, from the economic to the social, including the world of work and higher education. Looking at some economic figures, the pet economy generates a turnover of over 80 billion euros in Europe, and the trend is steadily rising, as is the number of households that decide every day to buy and/or adopt a pet.

Within the European Union, almost 49 per cent of households own a pet, and this figure refers solely to animals that are registered in the official register.

The link between animals and politics

The central role that animals play within families is intertwined with politics on a daily basis, which is why we have seen the emergence of countless political parties whose primary aim is the protection and welfare of animals.

The European Union has recently taken significant steps to improve the safety and welfare of pets such as dogs and cats. Whilst leaving the management of many of the relevant regulations to individual Member States, the EU has promoted common policies aimed at ensuring greater protection for animals, combating illegal trade and encouraging greater responsibility on the part of owners and breeders.

The European passport and the microchip

One of the key achievements concerns the improvement of the rules governing the movement of pets between EU countries. Thanks to the introduction of the European pet passport and the requirement for microchip identification, certain procedures that have become essential for families have been improved.

This regulation has, in fact, made it possible to travel with one’s pet in complete safety, improving its traceability and minimising the chances of it going missing.

The fight against the illegal trade in puppies

The European Union has also stepped up its efforts to combat the illegal trade in puppies, a practice that causes severe suffering to animals and also poses a risk to public health. Through stricter controls, greater cooperation between Member States and the drafting of new legislative proposals, the EU aims to ensure that animals are bred, transported and sold in a way that respects their welfare.

Animals as sentient beings

Another important aspect concerns the recognition of animals as sentient beings.

This principle, enshrined in the European Union treaties, requires European policies to take account of animal welfare needs. This has led to the development of regulations that are increasingly focused on animal protection and has encouraged Member States to adopt higher standards.

The European Commission’s initiatives

In recent years, the European Commission has also put forward initiatives to makethe identification and registration of dogs and cats compulsory across the EU, to improve the traceability of animals, and to impose stricter regulations on breeding and sales, including those carried out online. The EU’s commitment to the pet sector is also demonstrated through its support for awareness-raising campaigns focused on responsible pet ownership, promoting informed adoption, respect for animals’ needs and the prevention of abandonment.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the European Union has made a significant contribution to improving the protection and welfare of pets through common standards, more effective monitoring and new legislative initiatives. Although there are still challenges to be addressed, particularly in the fight against illegal trade and the abandonment of animals, the path taken demonstrates a growing focus on animal protection and recognition of their value in society.