The Ministry of Agriculture has finally banned coercive training methods by professionals in the canine sector: choke collars, electric collars, and prong collars are a thing of the past.
A victory for FOUR PAWS and other NGOs fighting for training based on cooperation, reward, and respect for animals' needs.
The decree of June 19, 2025, also strengthens housing standards for all pets in shelters, breeding facilities, pet stores, and foster families. Among the new rules:
Prohibition of inbreeding between breeding animals and their direct descendants
Mandatory sterilization of breeding animals before transfer
Mandatory daily walks for dogs
Provision of hiding places and scratching posts for cats
Specific standards for NACS (rodents, birds, fish, etc.)
BUT: pet stores can still sell animals online via "click & collect"... a practice we continue to denounce.
A big step for animal welfare, but the fight continues!