Andorra Defends Regulated Pet Breeding to Curb Trafficking

Andorra's government has defended its decision to permit regulated breeding and sales of companion animals under the new animal welfare law, arguing it prevents illicit trafficking amid rising demand.

The legislation, presented by the executive and due for publication on Wednesday, responds to a growing number of pets in the country. Official records list 9,642 dogs and 6,172 cats, with Environment Minister Guillem Casal noting nearly 16,000 companion animals overall—outnumbering the 11,300 school pupils. Agriculture and Livestock Director Josep Casals emphasised that strict controls on breeding centres, including traceability, proper facilities and inspections, address societal needs better than an adoption-only model. "Without regulation, we would favour illicit trafficking," he said, adding that banning sales entirely could not meet demand.

Online sales of animals are explicitly banned, and the law avoids specifying breeds—such as "designer dogs"—deeming them transient trends that are hard to regulate case by case. Instead, it focuses on authorising breeders and enforcing standards.

Animal welfare groups continue to oppose commercial breeding. Apapma president Carles Iriarte insisted no such centres should operate in Andorra, urging pets be adopted rather than bought. GosSOS vice-president Lisa Cruz warned of risks to animals despite added oversight.

New provisions equiparate damage caused by dogs to livestock with that from protected wildlife like bears, using objective criteria under existing norms. Owners face fines up to €5,000 for serious incidents, plus compensation, with the dog potentially classified as dangerous. Regulations will also define allowable livestock or non-native species as pets—ruling out chickens or pigs in apartments, for instance—and ban circuses using non-domesticated animals like lions or elephants.

Public shelters can temporarily house pets for vulnerable owners, including gender violence victims or hospital patients. Feline colonies shift to shared management between communes and government, with the latter covering veterinary costs for sterilisations. Feeding stray animals in public spaces or the wild is prohibited.

Hunting and Fishing Federation president Josep Maria Cabanes welcomed the balanced approach, while RonronejAND's Bea Montalvo praised cat colony measures but awaits the final text. Neighbouring Spain and France impose similar controls on breeders, aligning with recent EU standards limiting litters and inbreeding.