Pet travel laws to be relaxed
Proposals to introduce new legislation for the non-commercial transport of pets was approved by European parliament on May 23.
The changes will reportedly make it easier to travel abroad with pets, whilst tightening pet health requirements. Online information will also be made clearer for pet owners.
The new law will relax the five-pet limit for travelling across borders, allowing owners to cross borders with more than five pets if they can prove they are taking part in a competition, exhibition or sporting event.
The legislation will also clarify rules regarding pet passports and anti-rabies vaccinations. A veterinary surgeon must issue the identification documents, which should specify the transponder code, details of the anti-rabies vaccination and information on the pet's state of health.
This announcement has largely been welcomed by the RSPCA, though the charity has reiterated concerns that puppies can still be traded illegally through the pet passport system.
In a statement, the RSPCA pledged to work with the commission to end puppy trafficking, praising its proposed commitment to investigate the illegal puppy trade.
The legislation is expected to come into force 18 months after it is published in the EU Official Journal.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
