Slovakia advances animal breeding reform to second reading

The Slovak National Council moved on Wednesday a government draft amendment to the veterinary care law to a second reading. The proposal, prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, seeks to curb unethical breeding of dogs and cats, particularly when breeders lack documentation of the animals’ origin. The law, intended to take effect on 1 January 2027, aims to raise breeding standards, prevent profit‑driven breeding, reduce the spread of genetic diseases and protect animal welfare and consumer interests. It would not affect isolated cases of accidental breeding in private households, while breeders who can prove the provenance of their animals and meet recognized breeding‑organisation criteria would be exempt. The ministry stated that the goal is “to introduce appropriate regulatory measures to limit unethical breeding of dogs and cats for financial gain and eliminate associated negative phenomena in animal protection, consumer protection and the market for companion animals.”