The Feline Welfare Laws Page

There is some controversy over the proposals published by the German Ministry for Consumer Protection (BMVEL) in Bonn in October 2000. In a booklet, a number of problem breeds and varieties were identified.

In 1995, a Multilateral Consultation took place to discuss the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals and a resolution was published which included extensive guidelines for the revision of breeding policies. These guidelines form the basis for the proposed German breeding regulations.

The Bonn press conference was told that the proposals could be implemented at any time as the enabling laws had already been passed. However, if cat and dog breed clubs could come up with an alternative set of policies which satisfied the Ministry requirements, they would consider these as an alternative.

18 months was suggested as a suitable time scale for alternative proposals to be made. After this, the published proposals would become a detailed ordinance for implementing the German Animal Welfare Laws.

The involvement of the rest of Europe follows a resolution of the Bundestag in May 2001 reinforcing their pet breeding welfare laws as they already applied to the Federal Republic. They also resolved to work towards a general prohibition of "Qual Züchten" across the European Union.

The term "qualzucht" does not translate directly into English. Literally, it translates into "agony breed" or "pain breed", and this immediately upsets pedigree breeders. However, this term must be understood and accepted, and a suggestion would be "problem breed" as a standby translation.

It cannot be properly defined at this stage, but if the concept behind it can be understood, that would be a major advance in international welfare cooperation.