It is estimated that around 44 percent of European citizens keep a pet. MEPs have now set out the first ever minimum standards in the EU for the breeding, housing and handling of cats and dogs. This is because a majority of owners buy their pets online, and traceability has become a big issue.

The European Parliament hopes that its draft law will deal with the irresponsible importation of animals from outside the EU, and reduce the influence of criminal networks. The trade in cats and dogs is worth around €1.3 billion per year.

Programme prepared by Perrine Desplats and Isabelle Romero