Manuela Ripa, Vice-Chair of the Pets Working Group of the Interparliamentary Group for Better Animal Welfare, comments:

"It is very welcome that the aspect of the illegal pet trade has finally been included in the new strategy. The corona pandemic in particular has made it clear how much catching up we need to do here: We have had to observe dramatic numbers of puppies, cats and other popular pets being traded illegally via the internet and social media. In most cases, the traders can hardly or not at all be prosecuted - even though the illegal trade poses considerable risks to the health of the animals and us humans: for example, because the animals are taken from their mothers far too early, have not been kept in a species-appropriate manner or have not been examined by a vet.

Nevertheless, the matter is not closed and there is still a lot to do. The Commission must help Member States to inform their citizens and raise awareness of these problems. At the same time, the competent authorities must be better trained in dealing with illegal pet trade and there must be better systems to track animals in online trade. I have already submitted a written request to this effect to the EU Commission."