Andorra Defends Regulated Pet Breeding to Curb Trafficking

Andorra's government has defended its new animal welfare law allowing licensed breeding centres for companion animals, arguing it will curb illegal trafficking by meeting demand through strict controls, even as animal protection groups call for tighter restrictions or outright bans on commercial breeding.

Environment Minister Guillem Casal and Agriculture and Livestock Director Josep Casals outlined the legislation, which treats breeding as a regulated commercial activity limited to authorised facilities meeting welfare, traceability and inspection standards. In-person sales at these sites must include origin and health details, with online transactions prohibited. Private owners may not sell litters, even accidental ones, which must be donated after identification and health checks; repeated or intentional private breeding will count as undeclared commercial operations, traceable through records.

Casals emphasised that banning breeding entirely would drive demand underground. "We must regulate and control it properly to prevent illicit trafficking situations," he said. The law acknowledges animals as sentient beings entitled to protection from pain, suffering, fear or distress, with species-specific needs addressed. It prohibits harmful training devices, supported by a new Technical Committee for assessments.

Official data list 15,814 registered dogs and cats. The rules separate domestic animals—including companions, livestock and working dogs for hunting, herding, rescue, mushing or therapy—from wild species, with approved lists for livestock and non-native pets excluding unsuitable ones like chickens or pigs in homes.

Fines rise to €500 for minor breaches, €5,000 for serious and €15,000 for very serious. Dog owners liable for agricultural damage face penalties, compensation and potential dangerous classifications.

New bodies include the National Commission for Animal Protection and Welfare, with ministry, association and sector input, plus the Technical Committee for expert advice. Family law updates require couples to agree on pet custody in separations, with mayors intervening to prioritise welfare if needed.

Animal groups have mixed reactions. APAPMA president Carles Iriarte criticised the breeding centres, rejecting the government's trafficking argument and calling for more consultation time. ARPA president Laura Valero welcomed advances like feline colony management—with government-funded sterilisations, identification and health monitoring—but urged banning "designer dogs" (crossbreeds for aesthetic demand), limiting commercial breeding to recognised breeds under strict health rules, and enhancing traceability from parents to new owners. She also sought welfare considerations for moves like housing changes. NAMI president Desirée Abarca praised bans on punitive training tools and pushed for vets to report private litters more actively.

Hunting and Fishing Federation president Josep Maria Cabanes welcomed the distinction between companion and working animals, crediting ministry engagement, while stressing owner responsibility. Other provisions ban non-domesticated animals in circuses, prohibit public feeding of strays or wild animals, enable temporary fostering for vulnerable owners and study fireworks restrictions, with harm cases prosecutable. The model mirrors controls in Spain, France and EU inbreeding limits.