10 March Registration and certification in the fight against the illegal puppy trade
MEP Manuela Ripa calls for more control of the online trade in puppies - Corona currently underlines the urgency
Brussels, March 9, 2021 - Especially during lockdown times, the trade in puppies is flourishing. Single people and families are increasingly inclined to adopt a pet due to the existing restrictions on public life and the resulting limited social interaction. Not only is demand growing at animal shelters in Saarland, but the purchase of dogs online is also booming. Young animals in particular are extremely popular, but often suffer from being kept illegally. "The online trade in puppies must be controlled and certified. Many animals are kept in cruel conditions, are often separated from their mothers too early and thus show signs of mental and physical illness, which is also a great burden for the owners," complains Manuela Ripa, MEP for the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP).
From April 21, a revised Animal Health Law will be presented at EU level, but the changes are not enough: "This will not combat the illegal puppy trade. As Vice-President of the Animal Welfare Intergroup of the European Parliament, which is also responsible for pets, I am therefore calling for mandatory EU-wide certification and registration of dogs and cats as well as certified and therefore trustworthy websites. Illegal trade must be sanctioned more severely. It must also be clear to consumers that purchasing puppies from the selected dealer does not pose any risks to animals or humans. Buying online, on the other hand, carries high risks." According to the European Commission, around 46,000 dogs are traded within the EU every month, most of them without registration.
As Vice-President of the Animal Welfare Intergroup of the European Parliament, which is also responsible for pets, I am therefore calling for mandatory EU-wide certification and registration of dogs and cats as well as certified and therefore trustworthy websites.
In Saarland, 44 illegally imported puppies were discovered by the Saarland veterinary office in 2020 - and 14 in 2021. The MEP is now calling for action: "I also call on the EU Commission not to forget the illegal puppy trade in the upcoming discussion on online crime. The European Police Office (Europol) must also be strengthened so that the mafia-like machinations of illegal traders at the expense of countless animals finally come to an end."