Brussels, 7.12.2023

COM(2023) 769 final

ANNEXES

to the Proposal for a

REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL

on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability


ANNEX I

Requirements applicable to establishments

(pursuant to Articles 11 to 15)

1.Feeding

1.1.The operator shall implement the following feeding frequencies:

(a)adult cats and dogs shall be fed twice a day;

(b)pregnant bitches and queens shall have ad libitum access to feed;(c)puppies under 8 weeks of age shall be fed at least 5 times a day;

(d)kittens under 12 weeks of age shall be fed at least 4 times a day.

1.2.Every new-born puppy or kitten shall be fed with colostrum from their bitch or queen in the first two days of their lives.

1.3.If the bitch or the queen is ill or is otherwise unable to feed her offspring, the operator shall provide milk from other bitches and queens at the same holding and supplementary milk formulas designed for puppies and kittens with the feeding frequency as instructed by the formula producer or a veterinarian, until weaning is completed. 

1.4.The operator shall ensure that all unweaned puppies and kittens are getting enough milk to steadily gain bodyweight.

1.5.Weaning shall be performed with gradual introduction of firm feed, in a process not shorter than 7 days and shall not be completed before 6 weeks of age for puppies and kittens alike.

2.Housing

2.1.Temperature:

Operators shall ensure that temperature is maintained within a range of:

(a)10 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult dogs are kept;

(b)15 to 26°C in the indoor areas where adult cats are kept;

(c)22 to 28°C in whelping areas for the first 10 days of puppies’ lives;

(d)18 to 27°C in kittening areas for the first 21 days of kittens’ lives.

Temperature ranges shall be adapted accordingly for animals of brachycephalic breed/type and for animals with extreme coat types (hairless or heavy-coated breeds).

2.2.Lighting

2.2.1.Where applicable, artificial lighting shall be provided for a period at least equivalent to the period of natural light normally available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

2.2.2.Artificial light shall be broad spectrum or full spectrum.

2.2.3.The illuminance shall be at least 50 lux at the height of an animal’s head.

2.2.4.Animals shall have the possibility to stay in the dark for at least 8 hours per day.

2.3.Space allowances

2.3.1Minimum space allowances for dogs and cats (total accessible area, including indoor and confined outdoor space referred to in Article 11(5) where relevant):

Live weight

Area per animal

For each additional adult animal

or for bitches and queens with litter

Minimum height

(Where roofed)

Dogs of less or than 10kg and cats

4 m2

+ 2 m2

1,80 m

Dogs of more than 10 kg and less than 20 kg

6 m2

+ 3 m2

Dogs of more than 20 kg and less than 30 kg

8 m2

+ 4 m2

Dogs of more than 30 kg

10 m2

+5 m2

2.3.2.The whelping pen must be provided for and designed to permit the bitch to move away from her puppies.

2.3.3.If enclosures are occupied by more than one dog or cat, operators must ensure by taking specific measures (e.g., separation panels) that these animals do not pose threat to each other due to aggressive behaviour.

3.Health

3.1.Queens shall only be bred if their age is at least 12 months;

3.2.Bitches shall only be bred if their age is at least 18 months;

3.3.Operators shall allow for up to 3 litters per bitch or queen within a period of 2 years.

3.4.After 3 consecutive litter-giving pregnancies of a bitch or a queen within a period of 2 years, operators shall ensure a recuperation period by preventing pregnancies of the bitch or queen for a period of at least 1 year.

4.Behavioural needs

4.1.Operators shall ensure that:

(a)in the first 15 weeks of age, puppies and kittens have regular opportunities for social contact with their conspecifics and humans, and, if possible, with other animals;

(b)where adult cats and dogs are placed in catteries or kennels, socialization with humans is provided, notably by regular visits and contact with the animals;

(c)areas where cats and dogs are kept are equipped with enrichment structures and items accessible to all animals, providing a stimulating environment, and reducing frustration of animals;

(d)puppies are not permanently separated from their mothers before the age of 8 weeks;

(e)kittens are not permanently separated from their mothers before the age of 12 weeks.



ANNEX II

Identification and registration of dogs and cats

(pursuant to Article 17)

Transponders used to mark cats and dogs as required in Article 16 shall meet the following requirements:

(a)the microchip shall contain an individual, non-repeatable and non-reprogrammable identification number;

(b)the identification number shall identify the country of origin of the animal;

(c)code structure and technical concept of radio frequency identification shall be in compliance with ISO standards 11784 and 11785; 

(c)compliance with ISO standards 11784 and 11785 shall be evaluated according to ISO standard 24631.



ANNEX III

Collection of data

(pursuant to Article 20)

1.Number of dogs and cats microchipped per year as referred to in Article 17;

2.Number of breeding establishment approved per year as referred to in Article 16.