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 February 2025, it has been ratified by 27 states (most recently by Moldavia in 2025).
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
Parties
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 §10: cropping of ears, removal of vocal cords, and declawing.
See also
- Animal law
- Animal rights by country or territory
- Cruelty to animals
- List of Council of Europe treaties
- List of international animal welfare conventions
References
External links
- Details of Treaty No.125 – European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals.
- European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, Treaty available in ECOLEX-the gateway to environmental law (English)
