European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals
The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals is a treaty of the Council of Europe to promote the welfare of pet animals and ensure minimum standards for their treatment and protection. The treaty was signed in 1987 and became effective on 1 May 1992, after at least four countries had ratified it. Adherence to the treaty is open and not limited to member countries of the Council of Europe. As of October 2015, it has been ratified by 23 states. Netherlands and Spain have signed but not ratified the treaty.
Content
The Convention is divided into seven chapters:
- General provisions
- Principles for the keeping of pet animals
- Supplementary measures for stray animals
- Information and education
- Multilateral consultations
- Amendments
- Final provisions
Member countries
| Country | Signed | Ratified | Entry into force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | October 2, 1997 | August 10, 1999 | March 1, 2000 |
| Azerbaijan | October 22, 2003 | October 19, 2007 | May 1, 2008 |
| Belgium | November 13, 1987 | December 20, 1991 | July 1, 1992 |
| Bulgaria | May 21, 2003 | July 20, 2004 | February 1, 2005 |
| Cyprus | December 9, 1993 | December 9, 1993 | July 1, 1994 |
| Czech Republic | June 24, 1998 | September 23, 1998 | March 24, 1999 |
| Denmark | November 13, 1987 | October 20, 1992 | May 1, 1993 |
| Finland | December 2, 1991 | December 2, 1991 | July 1, 1992 |
| France | December 18, 1996 | October 3, 2003 | May 1, 2004 |
| Germany | June 21, 1988 | May 27, 1991 | May 1, 1992 |
| Greece | November 13, 1987 | April 29, 1992 | November 1, 1992 |
| Italy | November 13, 1987 | April 19, 2011 | November 1, 2011 |
| Latvia | March 1, 2010 | October 22, 2010 | May 1, 2011 |
| Lithuania | September 11, 2003 | May 19, 2004 | December 1, 2004 |
| Luxembourg | November 13, 1987 | October 25, 1991 | May 1, 1992 |
| Netherlands | November 13, 1987 | ||
| Norway | November 13, 1987 | February 3, 1988 | May 1, 1992 |
| Portugal | November 13, 1987 | June 28, 1993 | January 1, 1994 |
| Romania | June 23, 2003 | August 6, 2004 | March 1, 2005 |
| Serbia | December 2, 2010 | December 2, 2010 | July 1, 2011 |
| Spain | October 9, 2015 | ||
| Sweden | March 14, 1989 | March 14, 1989 | May 1, 1992 |
| Switzerland | November 13, 1990 | November 3, 1993 | June 1, 1994 |
| Turkey | November 18, 1999 | November 28, 2003 | June 1, 2004 |
| Ukraine | July 5, 2011 | January 9, 2014 | August 1, 2014 |
| Countries in italics do allow tail docking. | |||
A review of the treaty performed in 1995 resulted in minor modifications of the text and allowed signatory states to declare themselves exempt from certain paragraphs of the treaty. Subsequently, a number of additional countries signed and ratified the treaty, making use of this provision by declaring themselves exempt from the prohibition of tail docking. No country that has ratified the treaty has made any reservations regarding the other cosmetic surgeries prohibited by ยง10: cropping of ears, removal of vocal cords, and declawing.
See also
References
- European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.
- Additional info on the treaty from the official Council of Europe web site.
- European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, Treaty available in ECOLEX-the gateway to environmental law (English)