The European Union is moving closer to introducing compulsory microchipping and registration for cats, extending rules already familiar to dog owners in Hungary. The proposed legislation, described as the EU’s first bloc-wide animal welfare package for pets (dogs and cats), was approved by the European Parliament with an overwhelming majority of 558 votes in favour, 35 against and 52 abstentions.
If adopted by the Council of the European Union, the regulation would require all cats and dogs to be fitted with a unique microchip and registered in interoperable national databases across member states. Imported animals from outside the EU would also need to be registered before entering the bloc.
Supporters of the proposal say the main aim is to crack down on illegal breeding operations, unregulated pet trading and animal cruelty, while also encouraging more responsible pet ownership.
Stricter breeding and welfare standards
The draft legislation goes beyond identification requirements. It would also ban the breeding of closely related animals, such as siblings or parents with offspring, and prohibit breeding practices that prioritise exaggerated physical traits harmful to animals’ health, according to Szeretlek Magyarország.
Cosmetic mutilations, including ear and tail cropping for competitions or shows, would also be outlawed, alongside the long-term tethering of animals unless medically necessary.
For Hungary, the biggest change would concern cats. Mandatory microchipping for dogs has been in force since 2013, but cats have so far remained outside the system.
Under the proposed timetable, breeders, sellers and shelters would have four years to comply with the new rules. Dog owners would receive a ten-year transition period, while cat owners would have 15 years.
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Concerns over enforcement
Despite widespread political support, some Hungarian experts have questioned how effectively the rules could be enforced in practice.
According to animal welfare professionals, a significant number of dogs in Hungary still remain unchipped despite the existing legal obligation. Experts also warn that the country’s large stray cat population could make comprehensive registration nearly impossible.
Szilvia Fiáth, head of the Szekszárd Dog Shelter, pointed out that
Hungary may have around three million stray cats, many of which are unlikely ever to enter the official system because they have no registered owners.
Animal welfare organisations nevertheless welcomed the proposal, calling it a historic step towards more transparent and humane treatment of pets across Europe.
The legislation still requires final approval from EU member states, although previous informal agreements between the Council and Parliament suggest adoption is likely. National governments would then be responsible for integrating their databases into the common European framework and establishing enforcement mechanisms.
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