Organized criminal networks broadly misuse EU legislation to traffic underaged and unvaccinated animals that have been bred in deplorable conditions. Online channels largely provide for anonymous and fast sales alike. In view of the growth pace of the online pet trade and cross-border movement the call for improved animal traceability and transparency across the supply chain is more relevant than ever.

On 21 April, the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the EU and Eurogroup for Animals brought together almost 100 experts and stakeholders from across the industry to join the Online Workshop “Illegal Pet Trade: Game Over”. Representatives of EU institutions, ministries, control authorities, universities, NGOs and veterinarians brood over the current system to examine loopholes in EU legislation, look into ways to address deficiencies in enforcement and identify opportunities for better control of the online trade. Split over Working Groups, the participants deep-dived into the specifics of the multi-faceted problems of the illegal trade. FOUR PAWS has been assigned to moderate the Working Group on Identification and Registration (I&R), which was attended by key experts in the field of traceability.

The Animal Health Law and Delegated Regulation 2019/2035 brought a new level of protection for traded companion animals through the registration obligation for breeders. Still, the debate on traceability goes on, since the Act that could establish I&R for individual cats and dogs is pending. Measures, such as database connectivity across the EU were therefore discussed and the speakers attested the need for better enforcement. In view of the skyrocketing online trade, the Workshop additionally examined the opportunities afforded by the revision of the eCommerce Directive and Digital Services Act for comprehensive and binding provisions against the misleading advertisement, also setting the standards as per the responsibilities of platforms. Finally, participants discussed synergies between NGOs, public authorities and control bodies, as well as examples of Member State cooperation that successfully unveiled organized criminal networks and recovered lost taxes.