The Resolution in Full

Council of Europe

Conseil de l’Europe

Strasbourg, 23 March 1994

CONS 125 (95)29

MULTILATERAL CONSULTATION OF PARTIES TO THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF PET ANIMALS (ETS 125)

Strasbourg, 7 – 10 March 1995

REPORT OF THE MEETING

approved by the Chairman of the Multilateral Consultation

Secretariat Memorandum

prepared by

the Directorate of Legal Affairs

1. Opening of the meeting

1. Mrs Wiederkehr, Deputy Director of Legal Affairs, opened the Multilateral Consultation on 7 March 1995 at 10 a.m. and welcomed Representatives and Observers. She emphasised the democratic value which remains in the respect for the animals and pointed out the continuity which exists between respect for animals and respect for Man.

The list of participants appears in Appendix I to this report.

II. Election of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman

2. On a proposal from the Representative of Germany, Mr Andreas Steiger (Switzerland) was unanimously elected Chairman of the Multilateral Consultation.

3. Mr Eric Van Tilburgh (Belgium) was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman of the Multilateral Consultation.

III. Adoption of the Agenda

4. The agenda was adopted; it appears in Appendix II to this report.

IV. Communication of the Secretariat

5. The Representative of the Secretariat informed the Multilateral Consultation that on 10 November 1994, Andorra and on 10 February 1995, Latvia became respectively the 33rd and 34th member States of the Council of Europe.

6. Following its request, Croatia was invited by the Committee of Ministers, during it’s 515th meeting at Deputies’ level, to become Party to the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes and to the European Convention for the protection of animals for slaughter. Croatia acceded to these two Conventions on 14 September 1994. They will enter into force in respect of this country on 15 March 1995.

7. On 15 November 1994, Germany ratified the Protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes (ETS 145). Switzerland deposited its instrument of ratification on 21 December 1994.

8. In the framework of the co-operation and assistance programmes set up by the Council of Europe for Eastern and Central European states, activities are launched to fulfil the need expressed by partner countries. Recently, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia expressed their interest in assistance for the elaboration of legislation on the protection of animals. In reply to these requests, a seminar should be organised, possibly in June. The Chairman of the Multilateral Consultation will be invited to present the implementation of the Convention.

9. The 1995 Budget was voted by the Committee of Ministers on 15 December 1994, at its 523th meeting at Deputy level. In accordance with the proposal presented in the draft Budget, treaty activities, which include all the activities concerning the protection of animals, will not be covered by the ordinary Budget of the Council of Europe.

This means that, for the Multilateral Consultations, the meetings of the Working Party responsible for their preparation will be at the expense of the participants.

V. Information provided by each Party and Contracting State on the implementation of the Convention at national level

10. The Representatives informed the Multilateral Consultation of new developments in their countries.

The communications appear in Appendix III to this report.

VI. Information on the developments in the other member States

11. The Observers informed the Multilateral Consultation of new developments in their countries.

The communications appear in Appendix III to this report.

VII. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure

12. The Rules of Procedure were adopted unanimously; they appear in Appendix IV to this report.

VIII. Major problems in relation to the Convention – Examination of the draft Resolutions with a view to their adoption

VIII. 1. Wild animals kept as pets

13. The Multilateral Consultation examined the draft Resolution (doc. CONS 125 (95) $) which was presented by the Representative of Belgium.

14. It was agreed that reference should be made to regulations in force concerning wild fauna. To that end, a new fifth paragraph was inserted in the main part of the Resolution.

15. Considering the remarks made by several Representatives concerning species included in the positive list appended to the Resolution, and the technical difficulties met to set up a precise and appropriate list, it was agreed that this example should be deleted. Consequently, and to respect a balance, the Swiss example of a licensing system was also eliminated.

16. The Multilateral Consultation agreed to strengthen the Resolution with an agreement of the Parties “to set up a system enabling control of the keeping of animals of wild species as pet animals”.

17. The criteria originally presented in two different lists depending on the system adopted, were combined and reworded for use as a basis for any appropriate system chosen by a Party.

18. In the criteria, the word “biological” was replaced with “physiological and behavioural” for clarification.

19. In point 5, reference was made to “human safety”. However, the verb “must” was replaced with “should”, in order to differentiate this criterion from those more closely linked to animal protection.

20. [29)’ The Multilateral Consultation […] adopted by unanimity of the votes cast the Resolution which appears in Appendix V to this report.

VIII.2. Stray animals and identification

21. The Representative of Portugal presented the draft Resolution (doc. CONS 125 (95)11). She emphasised the technical and practical difficulties met to elaborate the document.

22. [31] The Multilateral Consultation recognised that, given the technical complexity of the work and the expertise required, lack of time had prevented to go more into depth in studying the methods advocated for the con control of stray animals.

23. [32) Recalling the terms of Recommendation 860 (1979) of the Parliamentary Assembly on the dangers of overpopulation of pet animals for the health and hygiene of man, and on humane methods of limiting such dangers, the Multilateral Consultation insisted on the necessity of having a precise arid detailed code of conduct providing guidelines for the setting up of a co-ordinated action programme for the effective control of stray animals.

24. [33) The Multilateral Consultation therefore agreed that this subject should be included in the agenda of a second Multilateral Consultation to be held in 1997. Its preparation would be entrusted to a Working Party which would ensure collaboration by experts iii order to elaborate, on the basis of the document prepared by the drafting group, a balanced arid acceptable set of guidelines.

25. It was agreed that the decision concerning the form to be given to the conclusions of the next Multilateral Consultation concerning stray animals: Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers or Resolution, would be taken later on, depending on the development of the work.

26. The Multilateral Consultation supported the idea of a first meeting of a drafting group which would start the elaboration of the guidelines. This drafting group would meet at a date and in a place to be decided by its members. The Representative of Portugal agreed to act as co-ordinator for this group.

Texts in italics are extracts from the report to the Committee of Ministers and the references in square brackets correspond to those given in this report

(CONS 125 (95) 28).

Chief of Division of Animal Welfare and New Productions

Centr6 Nacional de Controlo Zoo-Sanitário

Largo Academia Nacional Belas Artes 2

P – 1294 LISBOA CODEX

Tel: 351 1 – 346 51 65/8

Fax: 3511-3463518

27. The importance of identification was pointed out and it was considered that this subject may have to be addressed independently.

28. The Multilateral Consultation agreed that the subject should be included in the agenda of the next meeting of the Working Party.

VIII.3. Breeding and surgical operations

29. The Representative of Germany presented the draft Resolutions (doc. CONS 125 (95) 7).

30. The Multilateral Consultation, preparing the hearing with breeders’ associations, slightly modified the draft Resolution on surgical operations in pet animals.

31. In the fifth paragraph of the Resolution, the term “presenting a risk” was considered more appropriate.

32. The Multilateral Consultation agreed that surgical operations were not only carried out to respect standards but also for other dogs as customary practices. The 8th paragraph of the Resolution was modified accordingly.

33.. In the last paragraph of point 1 of the Resolution, the Multilateral Consultation agreed to emphasise the need to promote awareness among the persons directly concerned – judges, breeders, veterinarians and keepers – that mutilation should not be carried out.

34. In point 3, the sentence was modified in order to clarify the intention of the Parties.

35. In the Appendix, the third paragraph concerning natural ears in breeding standards was reinforced.

36. [23) The Multilateral Consultation held a hearing with cat arid dog breeders’ associations on 8 March 1995. This hearing aimed at discussing the draft Resolutions and finding, together with the associations, a solution to the problems raised.

37. After a short presentation, each association was invited to make comments on the two draft Resolutions.

38. It appeared that the associations generally agreed with the Resolutions. The discussion focused mainly on the Appendices and on particular breeds or types of animals (Manx Cat, hairless dogs, dog carrying Merle factor, …) for which breeders associations wanted to see the text corrected in the light of scientific evidence and taking account of important efforts already undertaken in order to limit the development of defects.

39. Corrections were suggested by the Federation Cynologique Interniationale in the lists of dog breeds presented in the Appendices to the draft Resolutions.

40. [23) After a very fruitful discussion, a declaration of intent was adopted. In this declaration, the Parties arid the breeders’ associations undertake to collaborate in order to achieve a better implementation of the Convention. It appears in Appendix VI to this report.

41. It was agreed that this declaration could be communicated to the press.

42. However, before doing so, the Representative of the Secretariat was instructed to ask the Representatives of the Parties not present at the Multilateral Consultation, whether they would agree with the declaration.

43. Following the hearing, the Multilateral Consultation examined the draft Resolutions in the light of the information and comments made by the breeders’ associations.

Draft Resolution on surgical operations

44. In the Appendix, 7th paragraph, reference was made to those countries which have decided to introduce a ban on tail docking.

45. The Multilateral Consultation considered that natural ears should definitely be favoured and, consequently, it deleted the last part of the 8th paragraph of the Appendix.

46. Breeds were removed from the list of breeds concerned with tail docking following the suggestion made by the Observer from the Fédération Cyriologique Internationale.

Draft Resolution on the breeding of pet animals

47. In the last part of the Resolution, point 1, a new paragraph was inserted to emphasise the importance of behavioural characteristics and abilities of the animals in the selection process.

48. The term “hypertype” was inserted in point 1 third paragraph following the suggestions made by the breeders’ associations.

49. In point 2, taking account of the efforts already undertaken or which will be undertaken by breeders associations, the Multilateral Consultation agreed that prohibition would only be considered if no results can be achieved with the recommendations made in point 1.

50. The Appendix was restructured considering that problems met were not always connected with the description given in the breeding standards – some of which have already been amended – but also with breeding policies. Consequently, all paragraphs were grouped under a title covering breeding policies which was considered to include breeding standards.

51. A footnote was inserted to point out that breeds were only given as examples where problems may occur.

52. Following the remarks made by the Observers of dog and cat breeders associations, certain elements of the guidelines were modified.

53. Concerning characteristic defects, it was agreed that they should be eliminated. However, to that end selection measures could be considered before totally discontinuing breeding.

54. The Multilateral Consultation adopted the two Resolutions by unanimity of the votes cast. They appear in Appendix VII to this report.

IX. Other business

55. It was agreed that in order to evaluate the results achieved by the Multilateral Consultations, Representatives and Observers would be invited to present, at the beginning of each meeting, the measures taken or the efforts undertaken following the decisions of the last Consultation.

X. Adoption of the report to the Committee of Ministers

56. The Multilateral Consultation examined the draft report to the Committee of Ministers prepared by the Secretariat (doc. CONS 125 (95) 28).

57. [34) The Multilateral Consultation therefore reached the conclusion that a second Multilateral Consultation should be organised in 1997 in order to deal with the problem of stray animals. This Consultation would be prepared by a Working Party which would meet in 1996.

58. [35] The Parties emphasised the importance of the Consultations for ensuring implementation of the Convention. They insisted on the role of these Consultations in the establishment of co-operation between Parties in harmonising the application of the Convention and setting up national programmes on its guiding principles. They acknowledged the value of the work done along these lines during the first Consultation.

59. [36) The Parties also recalled the importance of the preparation work which led to the adoption of three Resolutions on the problems tackled.

60. [37] In this context, Parties expressed their concern wit/ the recent budgetary decisions which risk seriously to jeopardise the effectiveness of activities concerning animal

protection. They insisted particularly on the situation of the Secretariat, which had now been uncertain for three years.

61. [38] Consequently, the Multilateral Consultation agreed to recommend tile Committee of Ministers to authorise the Secretary General to convene in 1997 a second Multilateral Consultation of Parties to the European Convention for the protection of pet animals, as well as a meeting of a working party responsible for its preparation in 1996, arid to provide for adequate means at Secretariat level to ensure permanent arid efficient assistance in following the implementation of the Convention arid continuing activity concerning animal protection.

XI. Date and place of the next meeting of the Working Party

62. [39) The Multilateral Consultation agr~eed, subject to the agreement of the Committee of Ministers, to meet again in 1997.

63. Concerning the next meeting of the Working Party, it was agreed that it should meet in 1996, at a date to be defined after the meeting of the drafting group.

APPENDIX I

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS / LISTE DES PARTICIPANTS

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION REPRESENTANTS DES PARTIES A LA CONVENTION

BELGIUM / BELGIQUE

Dr. Eric VAN TILBURGH Veterinary Officer, Hoofd van Dienst, Ministerie van Landbouw, Diergeneeskundige

Dienst, Bolwerklaan 21, (5″ verd.), B .1210 BRUSSELS (Vice-Chairman I Vice-President)

Tel: 322-2117277 Fax: 322-2117338

CYPRUS / CHYPRE apologised / excusi

DENMARK / DANEMARK

Ms. Marie-Louise TRUNK HALLING, Head of Section. Ministry of Justice. Civilkontoret, Slotshoimsgade 10,

DK – 1216 COPENHAGEN K

Tel: 45 33 – 92 33 40 Fax: 45 33 – 93 35 10

Ms. Birte BROBBERG. Senior Veterinary Officer. Danish Veterinary. Service, Rolighedsvej 25.

DK – 1958 FREDERIKSBBERG C

Tel: 45 31 – 35 81 00 Fax: 45 35 – 36 19 12

FINLAND / FINLANDE

Ms. PirKko SKUTNABB, Veterinary Chief Inspector. Ministry of Agriculture. Veterinary Department.

Kluuvikatu 4 A. P.O. Box 232, SF – 00171 HELSINKI

Tel: 358 0 – 160 3317 Fax: 358 0 – 160 33 38

GERMANY / ALLEMAGNE

Dr. Ute KNIERIM. Veterinarian, Animal Welfare Section. Bundesministerium fur BEm~’thrung. Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Rochusstr~e 1, D – 53123 BONN

Tel: 49 228 – 529 4373 Fax: 49 228 – 529 4262

GREECE / GRECE not represented / non representee

LUXEMBOURG apologised I excuse

NORWAY / NORVEGE not represented I non representee

PORTUGAL

Mrs Selene GOUVEIA DA VEIGA, Advisor Vejerinarian. Chief of Division of Animal Welfare and New

Productions. Centro Nacional de Controlo Zoo-Sanitario. Largo Academia Nacional Belas Artes 2,

P – 1294 LISBOA CODEX

Tel: 351 1 – 346 51 65/8 Fax: 3511 – 346 35 18

SWEDEN / SUEDE

Ms. Irene AHL, Veterinary Inspector, Swedish Board of Agriculture (Statens Jordbruksverk)

S – 551 82 JONKOPING

Tel: 4636-155000 Fax: 4636-155005

Mrs. Elisahet EKMAN, Lawyer. Swedish Board of Agriculture (Statens Jordbruksverk)

S – 551 82 JONKOPING

Tel: 46 36 – 15 58 54 Fax: 46 36 – 15 50 OS

SWII7ERLAND / SUISSE

M. Andreas STEIGER, Dr en med. vCt., Head of Animal Welfare Division. Federal Veterinary Office,

SchwazenburgstraBe 161. CH – 3097 LIEBEFELD-BERN (Chairman/ President)

Tel: 41 31 – 97085 13 . Fax: 41 31 – 97085 22

E-Mail Dr. Steiger [email protected]

M. Jacques MERMINOD, Dr en med. vet.. Chef du Service des Questions Generales en matiere de protection

des animaux. Office Veterinaire Federal. Division protection des animaux, Schwarr:enburgstr~~e 161.

CH – 3097 LIEBEFELD-BERN

Tel: 41 31 – 97085 11 Fax: 41 31 – 9708522

Mme Nicole PEYBER. veterinaire. Office Veterinaire Federal, Division protection des animaux, SchwazenburgstraBe 161, CH – 3097 LIEBEFELD-BERN

Tel: 4131-9708511 Fax: 4131 – 9708522

OBSERVERS NOT YET PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION

OBSERVATEURS NON ENCORE PARTIES A LA CONVENTION

SIGNATORY STATES / ETATS SIGATAIRIES

ITALY / ITALIE

Dr.ssa Gaetana FERRI, Primo Dirigente Veterinario. Direzione Generale dei Servizi Veterinari, Ministero della

Sanit~, Piazza Marconi 25. Piano X110, I – 00144 ROMA

Tel: 396-59943734 Fax: 396-59943676

NETHERLANDS / PAYS-BAS

Mrs. Beatrix RIETVELD, Doctor (Biology). Direction Environment. Quality and Health. MiN istry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries. Posthex 20401. NL – 2500 EK THE HAGUE

Tel: 31 70 – 379 37 49 Fax: 31 70 – 347 83 98

OTHER MEMBER STATES / AUTRE S ETATS MEMBRIES

CZECH REPUBLIC / REPUBLIQUE TCHEQUE

M. Milan SNA~IL, Le Comite pour Ia Protection des Animaux. Osirava Ill. u. lese 63. CZ – PRAGUE

Tel: 42 2 – 352 317

Saromir SVOBODNIK. Le Comite pour Ia Protection des Animaux. Naihornf 2. CZ – PRAGUE 8 Tel: 42 2 – 8419 191

FRANCE

Dr. Olivier LEMARIGNIER, Veterinaire Inspecteur. Adjoint au bureau de Ia protection animale et de Ia lutte contre Ia rage, Ministere de l’Agriculture et de Ia Peche, Direction Generale de l’Aliinentation, Sous-Direction de Ia Sante et de IAA Protection animales. 175, rue du Chevaleret. F – 75646 PARIS Cedex 13

TCL 331-49558475 Fax: 331-495543.98

HUNGARY / HONGRIE

Dr. J6zsef BEA, Inspecteur Veterinaire. Ministere de l’Agricul lure, Service Veterinaire. Kossuth Ter. 11

H – 1860 BUDAPEST

Tel: 36 1 – 1119870 Fax: 36 1 – 1324 544

LATVIA / LETTONIE no’ represented I non representee

LIECHTENSTEIN apologised I excuse

LITHUANIA / LITUANIE not represented I no” representee

SLOVENIA / SLOVENIE not represented I non representee

UNITED-KINGDOM / not represented I non represente

ROY AUME-UNI

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY / apologised I excusee

COMMUNAUTE EUROPEENNE

NON-MEMBER STATES I ETATS NON MEMBRES

HOLY SEE / SAINT-SIEGE apologised I excuse

RUSSIA / RUSSIE apologised I excusee

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ETATS-UNISD’ AMERIQUE

Dr. Mark P. DULIN, Veterinary Attache, US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection

Services, U.S. Mission to the European Union, 40 Blvd du Regent, B – 1000 BRUSSELS

Tel: 322 – 5133830 ext. 2762 Fax: 322 – 511 0918

EXPERTS FROM INTERNATIQNAL ORGANISATIONS

EXPERTS D’ORGANISATIONS INTERNATIONALES

EUROPEAN PET ORGANIZATION (EPO)

Mr Felix WECK, President, European Pet Organization. Guterstrasse 199. CR – 4053 BASEL

Tel :4161-3619955 Fax: 4161-3619910

Mr RA RoIf-Dieter GMEINER, Secretary General. European Pet Organization, P.O. Box 1420,

D -63204 LANGEN 1

Tel : 49 6103 – 91 07 34 Fax: 49 6103 – 91 07 33

Dr. Oskar RICK, Wissenschaftlicher Berater, Wiedner Hauptstrasse 63. A – 1045 WIEN

Tel : 431 – 50105/3320 Fax: 431 – 50206/294

FEDERATION OF VETERINARIANS OF EUROPE FVE

FEDERATION VETERINAIRE EUROPEENNE

Dr. Ben ALBALAS, Vice-Chairinan of FECAVA (Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary

Associations) and Official Representative of FVE, 40 Vas. Konstantinou Str..

GR – 15122 AMAROUSSION. ATIIENS

Tel :301-8621442 Fax: 301-3250370

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR APPLIED ETHOLOGY ISAE

SOCIETE INTERNATIONALE D’ETHOG IE APPIIQUEE not represented / non representee

WORLD SOCIETY FOR THE PROTECTION OF ANIMALS (WSPA)

SOCIETE MONDIALE POUR LA PROTECTION DES ANIMAUX

Ms Cindy MILBURN, Special Projects Director (Western Europe). World Society for the Protection of Animals, 2 Langley Lane, GB – LONDON 5W8 lTJ

Tel: 44 171 – 2780540 Fax: 44 171 – 2780208

(Eurogroup)

Dr. Jean Pierre KIEFFER, Secretaire General. Conseil National de ki Protection Animale (C.N.P.A.), Vice-

President de EUROGROUP, 10 Place Leon Blum, F – 75011 PARIS

Tel: 33 1 – 4379 11 52 Fax: 331 – 48 49 3927

PARTICIPATED IN PART OF THE CONSULTATION

AYANT PARTICIPE A UNE PARTIE DE LA CONSULTATION

INTERNATIONAL CYNOLOGIC FEDERATION

FEDERATION CYNOLOGIOUE INTERNATIONALE (FC1)

M. Hans MULLER, Preident de Ia FCI, Case pestale 378, CH – 8472 SEUZACH

Tel: 41 52 – 53 34 24 Fax:

M. Camille MICHEL, Preident de Ia Societe centrale canine de France. 155 av. Jean Jaures.

F – 95535 AUBBERVILLIERS Cedex

Tel: 331-49375400 Fax:

Dr. med. Jean-Maurice PASCHOUD, President de Ia Commission des standards de Ia FCI. Chemin des

Bouleaux 4. CH 1025 ST SULPICE

Tel: 41 21 – 691 46 42, 312 76 35 (cabinet med.) Fax:

WORLD CAT FEDERATION(WCF)

FEDERATION MONDIALE FELINE

Mr Heinz D. KELLNER. General Secretary, Franken’nutther Str. 20. D – 90574 ROSSTAL

Tel: 49 9127 – 9377 Fax: 49 9127 – 5240

Mrs Anneliese HACKMANN. President of the WCF and Preside Nt of Deutsche Edelkatze e.V.. Hubertstr. 280.

D~- 45307 ESSEN

Tel: 49201-550755/555724 Fax: 49201-552747

Mrs Renate MAYRHOFER, WCF. President of Katzenunion Osterreicli. Sctho~nbrunner Str. 33, A – 1050 WIEN

Tel: 43 1 – 586 22 19 Fax: 43 1 – 586 43 16

Mrs Betti SCHULTZ. WCF. Ohlwiese 40. D – 58840 PLETTENBERG

Tel 49 2391 – 70182 Fax: 49 2391 – 70687

INTERNATIONAL FELINE FEDERATION

FEDERATION INTERNATIONALE FELINE (FIFe)

Mrs Alva UDDIN, FIFe President, PL 4094A, S – 52493 HERRIJUNGA (Sweden)

Tel: 46515-43125 Fax: 46515-43111

M. Fabrice CALMES, FIFe Vice-President. 72 rue de Saint Die. F – 67100 STRASBOURIG

Tel: 33 – 88399634 .Fax:33-88399634

THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE CAT FANCY (GCCF)

Mrs Lesley K. PRING, GCCF. Honorary Secretary. 4-6 Penel Orlieu. BRIDGjWATER.

GB – Somerset TA6 3PG

Tel: 44 1278 – 427575 ~ Fax: 44 1278 – 446627

SECRETARIAT

Mrs Laurence LWOFF, Assistant Administrator. Division of Public Law. Directorate of Legal Affairs, Council of Europe

APPENDIX II

AGENDA

I. Opening of the Multilateral Consultation

II. Election of the Chairman and the Vice Chairman

III. Adoption of the agenda

IV. Communication of the Secretariat

V. Information provided by each Party and Contracting State on the implementation of the Convention at national level

VI. Information on developments in the other member States

VII. Adoption of the Rules of Procedure

VIII. Major problems in relation with the Convention – Examination of the draft Resolutions with a view to their adoption

VIII.1 Wild animals kept as pet animals

VIII.2 Stray animals and identification

VIII.3 Breeding and surgical operations

(hearing on wednesday 8 March 1995)

IX. Other business

X· Adoption of the report to the Committee of Ministers

XI. Date and place of the next meeting of the Working Group

APPENDIX III

Denmark

The Convention is not implemented as such but the main part of its principles are implemented through the Danish Law on animal welfare and the law concerning dog. Complementary orders concern commercial keeping, trade, tail docking, killing methods and identification.

The cutting of ears has been banned for several years now.

The docking of tail is banned since 1991 with the exception of 5 breeds of hunting dogs.

Finland

The Convention is implemented since 1992, through the Animal Welfare Act and several Orders. A reservation has been made on tail docking; however, it is intended to ban tail docking in the new Animal Welfare Act. So far, the adoption of this text has been postponed to the new parliament which shall have it this spring. Now it is expected that the new law would be adopted this year.

Germany

The Convention is implemented through the general Animal Welfare Act, with the exception of the two reservations declared by Germany which concern the age of the people allowed to buy an animal and the docking of tails. Both were to be changed within a broader initiative to amend the Animal Welfare Act. However, the whole initiative failed. A new step will be taken this year to change the legislation.

Concerning breeding, a provision in the Act prohibits breeding which leads to suffering in the offspring. This provision is in force since 1987. However, its implementation is not very satisfactory. A group of experts has been asked by the Federal Government to give an opinion regarding good practices in animal breeding. This opinion should be given next year.

Portugal

· A draft legislation to implement the Convention was discussed by different organisations (public and private) and is ready to be studied by the Legal Division. However, some problems are met in relation to the new draft legislative text concerning in particular identification of dogs and cats and the cost of this process.

Sweden

The Convention is implemented through a general Act of Parliament and orders.

No breeds are allowed to be submitted to surgical operations for aesthetic purposes since 1988.

The Veterinary University is making an investigation about tail damages on German Pointer which may lead to exceptional regulations allowing prophylactic tail docking.

In December 1994, a provision was adopted that prohibits the keeping of Pitbull terriers if they are aggressive.

· The Swedish Government is now preparing a ban on keeping dog-wolf bastards as pets.

· In January 1995, a provision was adopted that ban the breeding of dogs and cats with defects transmitted to the offspring.

A new legislation is in course of preparation about housing, maintenance and trading of pet animals. There is no plan for a positive list at the moment because the new legislation is planned to comprise mainly all the species which are kept as pets in Sweden. The legislation will comprise a lot of species, especially reptiles, amphibians, birds and small mammals and will include space allocations, enclosure enrichments and climatic conditions.

· In Sweden pet shops have to be approved by the local authorities. The new legislation will force the pet shop keeper to get a special education and to deliver a written maintenance instruction when selling an animal as a pet.

In 1970, a ban was introduced on the importation of reptiles to be kept as pets for sanitary reasons. In March 1995, this ban will be removed.

Switzerland

· In Switzerland, several surgical operations are forbidden, and advertising with animals, trading and keeping of wild animals are subject to authorisation.

· In order to improve implementation of the Convention, a revision of the Order is planned. It will aim at:

– setting out principles on the keeping of animals

– taking a census of all the refuges

– prohibiting docking of tails

– setting the age-limit on acquisition of an animal at 16. years of age.

Amendments to the Act are necessary to be able to regulate rearing and breeding which would need more time.

Italy

The Convention is not implemented yet. A draft law has already been discussed with different Ministries which have given their agreement, with the exception of the Ministry of Interior which required that competencies of the cities be specified and that the cost of these attributions be evaluated.

The draft will then be presented to the Parliament. It is hoped that the Convention will be ratified by the end of the year or the beginning of next year.

The draft law covers all pet animals. There has been since 1991, a framework law on the protection of pets and abandoning of animals. It includes provisions concerning identification, killing of captured dogs, which is forbidden except for health reasons, education and training on sanitary aspects. The local authorities are in charge of the detailed enforcement of the principles of the law, and at the moment, most of them have already adopted regulation to that end.

Netherlands

· The Convention is not fully implemented yet. The Animal Welfare Act is the legal basis for this implementation. Problems are met with control and enforcement of legislation. Solutions are found in alternatives such as self regulation.

With respect to breeding, absence of information and lack of knowledge on the genetic and inheritance process and on diagnostics are causing problems.

· A legal text is being prepared on surgical operations in animals.

Docking of tails will still be allowed for another five years.

· Stray animals do not cause particular problems.

· The pet retail sector has taken an initiative to introduce its own recognition regulation.

There is no legislation on the killing of pets but information campaigns will be

organised.

· Concerning competitions, training and exhibition, discussions are going on to reach an agreement on rules which would have to be set up by the organisations themselves.

· With respect to the keeping of animals, a positive list needs to be drawn up. As enforcement entails a heavy burden on the Government, it will be investigated if the issue allows for self-regulation (i.e. co-operation between the parties involved).

France

· For France which has not signed the Convention, the major problem remains the cropping

of ears. Breeders will now have to be convinced in order for France to be able to sign and

ratify the Convention.

· However, most of the principles set out in the Convention are implemented:

– identification: there is a national data file for dogs and another one for cats.

– any trading or kennel establishments, sanctuaries, dogs beauty parlours shall be declared. Records of animals entering and leaving shall be kept and shall allow the control of the movement of animals in the establishments. A record of the health status is also required. Furthermore, breeding establishments with more than 50 dogs must have a licence;

– optional training programmes, in particular for breeders have been set up (these training programmes should be developed in the future);

– concerning wild animals, there is a system of certificates (entitling the holder to practise) for the breeding, the presentation to the public and the trade of such animals. These certificates imply that the scientific knowledge of the holder has been examined by competent persons. Moreover, establishments which sell wild animals must have a licence.

A meeting was organised with animal protection associations, breeders and veterinarians to discuss the Convention. Important reservations have been made by the breeders on tail docking and ear cropping.

In France, dogs whose tails are not docked and ears are not cropped are accepted in shows.

USA

The U.S. federal government is interested in following the development of European legislation for the protection of companion animal species; however, the U.S. does not have regulations at the national level governing the protection of individually’ owned pets. The State and/or local government authorities are responsible for enacting legislation and enforcing compliance for the protection of individually-owned pet species.

EUROPEAN PET ORGANIZATION

EPO is extremely interested in the implementation of the Convention. However, concrete actions need time to be undertaken since all the members of the organisation have to be convinced.

FVE

· A questionnaire has been sent to all members of FECAVA to find out if the principles of the surgical operations (ear cropping and tail docking) were followed in the everyday practice.

· An initial agreement was reached in Frankfurt last week on a new ISO standard for electronic identification. There will be a transition period of 2,5 years. The agreement should be confirmed after its adoption in six months time by the interesting parties.

· FVE has recently decided to divide the Working group on animal welfare in three different groups:

– farm animals

– pet animals (Chairman Dr. Albalas) laboratory animals.

This decision shows the interest of FVE for welfare problems.

EUROGROUP

· Eurogroup would like to see the development of animal identification, in particular electronic identification and means for connection of files from different countries.

It expresses its concern with the development of animal trade. The sales networks often escape sanitary controls because of the opening of the frontiers in Europe.

· Eurogroup would like neutering methods for stray animals to be further developed.

· Finally, it is concerned at the increasing number of dangerous dogs and the confused regulations which have been set up in certain countries.

APPENDIX IV

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF MULTILATERAL CONSULTATIONS

adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 7 March 1995

The Parties to the European Convention for the protection of pet animals, Having regard to Article 15 paragraph 4 of the Convention, adopt these Rules of Procedure of Multilateral Consultations:

Article 1

For the purpose of these Rules of Procedures, the following definitions are used:

– “Convention”, means the European Convention for the protection of pet animals;

– “Multilateral Consultation”, means the Multilateral Consultation of the Parties to the Convention;

– “Representative”, means any representative of a Party appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 15 paragraph 2 of the Convention;

– “Observer”, means any observer of a member State of the Council of Europe which is not a Party to the Convention as well as any observer of a non-member State or of an international institution or organisation appointed in accordance with the provisions of Article 4 of the Rules of Procedures.

Article 2

Representatives

Each Party shall communicate to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe the name, address and functions of its representative in accordance with Article 15 paragraph 2 of the Convention.

Article 3

Observers from member States

Any member State of the Council of Europe which is not a Party to the Convention shall communicate to the Secretary General the name, address and functions of the person appointed as its observer, in accordance with Article 15 paragraph 2 of the Convention.

Article 4

Observers from non-member States or from

international institutions and organisations

1. By unanimity of the votes cast, the Parties may decide to invite any non-member State of the Council of Europe which is not a Party to the Convention and any international institution or organisation to appoint an observer who may attend one or more Multilateral Consultations.

2. Any non-member State or international institution or organisation which has been so invited in accordance with paragraph 1 of this Article, shall communicate to the Secretary General the name, address and functions of the person appointed as its observer.

Article 5

Venue

The Multilateral Consultations shall be held at the Council of Europe headquarters, unless a majority of the Parties decides otherwise.

Article 6

Convocation

1. The Multilateral Consultations shall be convened by letter of the Secretary General sent to the governments, institutions and organisations concerned.

2. The letter of convocation, accompanied by the draft agenda, shall be sent at least two months before the date fixed for the opening of the Multilateral Consultation.

Article 7

Quorum

A majority of the representatives shall constitute a quorum for a Multilateral Consultation.

Article 8

Chairman and Vice-Chairman

1. The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman shall be elected at the beginning of each Multilateral Consultation from among the representatives at the majority of the votes cast.

2. The Chairman shall direct the work and sum up the conclusions of the discussions.

3. The Chairman shall retain the right to participate in the discussions of the Multilateral Consultation and to vote.

4. Whenever the Chairman is absent or stands down, he shall be replaced by the Vice-Chairman.

Article 9

Secretariat

1. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe shall provide the Multilateral Consultation with the necessary staff and facilities.

2. The Secretary General or his Representative may at any time make an oral or written statement on any matter under discussion.

3. The Secretariat shall be responsible for the preparation and distribution of all documents to be examined by the Multilateral Consultation.

Article 10

Agenda

The agenda is adopted at the beginning of the Multilateral Consultation on the basis of the draft prepared by the Secretariat and appended to the convocation.

Article 11

Languages

1. The official languages of the Multilateral Consultations shall be those of the Council of Europe.

2. Any representative or observer may, however, use a language other than an official language provided that he shall himself provide for interpretation into one of the official languages.

3. Any document submitted in a language other than one of the official languages shall be accompanied by a translation into one of the official languages.

Article 12

Communications to the press

1. Multilateral Consultations shall be held in private.

2. By unanimous agreement, the Parties may decide, at the end of a Multilateral

Consultation, to make appropriate press statements on the decisions taken during the

Multilateral Consultation.

Article 13

Voting

Subject to the provisions of Article 16 paragraph 2 of the Convention and Articles 4 and 12 of these Rules of Procedure, the Multilateral Consultation shall take its decisions at the majority of the votes cast, including for the adoption of resolutions or recommendations to the Committee of Ministers.

Article 14

Decisions and report

1. Before the end of the meeting, the Multilateral Consultation shall adopt a list of decisions taken which will serve as the basis for the report to the Committee of Ministers provided for in Article 15 paragraph 3 of the Convention.

2. The Secretariat shall prepare as soon as possible after the Multilateral Consultation a compte-rendu of the works.

Article 15

Amendments of the Rules of procedures

These Rules of Procedures may be amended at any time.

APPENDIX V

RESOLUTION ON THE KEEPING OF WILD ANIMALS

AS PET ANIMALS

adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 10 March 1995

The Parties to the European Convention for the protection of pet animals, by virtue of the terms of reference laid down in its Article 15;

Recognising that these provisions imply the monitoring of the implementation of the Convention and the development of common and co-ordinated programmes in the field of pet animal welfare;

Aware of the developments in the keeping of animals of wild species as pet animals;

Recalling the Preamble of the Convention which states that “the keeping of specimens of wild fauna as pet animals should not be encouraged”;

Recalling that certain species are protected under international legal instruments such as the Convention on international trade in endangered species of wild fauna and flora (Washington, 1973), the Convention on the conservation of European wildlife and natural habitats (Beme, 1979) and the Convention on the conservation of migratory species of wild animals (Bonn· 1979);

Recalling that Article 4 of the Convention requires that pet animals shall he provided with accommodation, care and attention taking into account the ethnological needs of the animal in accordance with its species and breed, and that an animal which cannot adapt itself to captivity in spite of these conditions being met, shall not he kept as a pet animal;

Anxious to encourage full respect for these provisions of the Convention;

Considering therefore that efforts shall be made to prevent the keeping of these animals in conditions which do not meet their physiological and behavioural needs;

Convinced that this can only be achieved by taking measures to regulate the keeping of these animals as pet animals;

Recognising that certain countries have already set up minimum requirements. with or without a licensing system, for the keeping of animals of wild species or a system limiting the species which can be kept as pets;

Convinced that an agreement on the general criteria related to the keeping of animals of wild species will contribute to the harmonised implementation of the Convention;

Agreed to set up a system enabling the control of the keeping of animals of wild species as pet animals taking into account the following criteria:

1. An animal must be housed and cared according to its physiological and behavioural needs;

2. In particular, the following conditions must be met:

i. space allocation sufficient for the specific needs of the animal in particular for movements and exercise;

ii. appropriate enclosure enrichment with climbing material. digging possibilities, rest and hidi9g places. as well as bathing. swimming or diving facilities;

iii. possibilities to fulfil the needs for social behaviour;

iv. appropriate climatic conditions.

3. The keeper must have appropriate knowledge to be able to satisfy the physiological and behavioural needs of the animal during its entire keeping;

4. The necessary conditions must be met to prevent the animal from escaping;

5. The aspects related to aggressiveness of the animal and to possible risk for human safety and health should be taken into account.

APPENDIX VI

DECLARATION OF INTENT

The Parties to the European Convention for the protection of pet animals and the Federation Cynologique International, the Federation International Feline, the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy and the World Cat Federation agreed on the need to improve breeding and breeding standards of cats and dogs in accordance with the principles set out in the Convention.

In particular, they agreed:

– to contribute to the improvement of breeding standards, in particular with regard to surgical operations for aesthetic purposes, taking account of the welfare of the animals;

– to promote the respect of these standards by the judges and the breeders;

– to facilitate the appropriate and continuing training of judges and breeders;

– to take necessary measures to control the breeding of animals with genetic or phenotypic characteristics harmful to the welfare of the animals in order to prevent suffering of such animals;

– to develop information to the public in order to achieve responsible ownership in accordance with the provisions of the Convention.

APPENDIX VII

RESOLUTION ON SURGICAL OPERATIONS IN PET ANIMALS

adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 10 March 1995

The Parties to the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, by virtue of the terms of reference laid down in Article 15;

Recognising that these terms of reference imply the monitoring of the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and the development of common and co-ordinated programmes in the field of pet animal welfare;

Anxious to encourage full respect of the provisions of the Convention;

Recalling that Article 10 of the Convention prohibits surgical operations, for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a pet animal or for other non-curative purposes, in particular docking of tails and cropping of ears;

Considering that such operations present a risk for the health and welfare of the animals;

Aware of the problems met by certain countries to implement the provisions of Article 10 of the Convention;

Determined therefore to made strong efforts to abolish such practices;

Recognising that cropping of ears and docking of tails as referred to in Article 10 paragraphs 1 .a and b of the Convention are carried out only as customary practices or to fulfil the requirements of certain breeding standards;

Convinced therefore that a revision of these breeding standards would facilitate the achievement of the objectives of the Convention presented in Article 10;

Agreed:

1. to promote awareness particularly among judges, breeders, veterinarians and keepers that mutilation should not be carried out;

2. to encourage breeding associations to amend breeding standards in accordance with the provisions of Article 10 of the Convention using as a basis the recommendations presented in the Appendix to this Resolution;

3. to consider the possibility of phasing out the exhibition and the selling of animals having been subjected to these operations.

APPENDIX

The Parties strongly encourage breeding associations to revise breeding standards in the light of Article 10 of the Convention and thereby to contribute to the discontinuation of surgical alterations of pedigree dogs’ appearances.

The Parties emphasise that the Convention with its prohibition of the cropping of ears has been in force since 1992. In several countries, ear cropping has been banned for much longer.

For good animal welfare practices, breeding standards should only contain requirements with regard to natural ears.

As a first step, natural ears should be favoured, and accepted not only in countries where cropping is forbidden.

The following breeds are concerned (the enumeration is not comprehensive):

  1. Affenpinscher
  2. American Staffordshire Terrier
  3. Berger de Beauce
  4. Berger des Maremmes
  5. Berger des Pyrenees
  6. Boston Terrier
  7. Bouvier des Flandres
  8. Boxer
  9. Berger de Brie (Briard)
  10. Small Brabancon
  11. Chien de Berger Catalan
  12. Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel
  13. Dobermann
  14. Dogue Allemand
  15. Dogue Argentin
  16. Belgian Griffon
  17. Brussels Griffon
  18. Kavkazskala Ovtchaika
  19. Neapolitano Mastiff
  20. Pinscher
  21. Schnauzer

The instruction to dock the tail should also be removed from breeding standards.

There are countries which have banned general tail docking for a considerable number of years now (Norway since 1987, Sweden since 1988) without serious health problems yet and in the last four years Cyprus, Greece, Luxembourg and Switzerland have decided to introduce a ban on tail docking. Even if it should prove to be true that there are significant problems with tail damages in dogs used for hunting such as German Pointers, as claimed by dog breeders, still in a huge number of breeds (see list below) there is no necessity to subject dogs to this surgical procedure. According to information from Switzerland and Germany tails are being docked in about one third of puppies that are registered in the studbook. Figures will probably be similar in other countries.

At least, breeding standards should cover both docked and natural tails, whereby the natural tail should be favoured.

The following breeds are concerned (the enumeration is not necessarily comprehensive):

  1. Affenpinscher
  2. Airedale Terrier
  3. American Cocker
  4. Australian Silky Terrier
  5. Australian Terrier
  6. Croatian Sheepdog
  7. Berger des Pyrenees
  8. Black Russian Terrier
  9. Bouledogue Francais
  10. Bouvier des Ardennes
  11. Bouvier des Flandres
  12. Boxer
  13. Small Brabancon
  14. Bracco Italiano
  15. Braque d’Auvergne
  16. Braque de Burgos
  17. Braque de l’Ariege
  18. Braque Francais (both types)
  19. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  20. Cesky Fousek
  21. Catalonian Sheepdog
  22. Clumber Spaniel
  23. Cao de Fila de Sao Miguel
  24. Dobermann
  25. Drotzoru/Rovidszoru Magyar Vizsla
  26. Dutch Smoushond
  27. English Cocker Spaniel
  28. English Springer Spaniel
  29. Entlebucher Cattledog
  30. Epagneul de Pont Audemer
  31. Field Spaniel
  32. Foxterrier (both types)
  33. German Pointers (all types)
  34. German Wachtelhund
  35. Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier
  36. Griffon a Poil Laineux
  37. Belgian Griffon
  38. Biussels Griffon
  39. Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
  40. Irish Terrier
  41. Jagdterrier
  42. Japaneese Terrier
  43. Kavkazskaia Ovtcharka
  44. Kerry Blue Terrier
  45. King Charles Spaniel
  46. Lakeland Terrier
  47. Neapolitan Mastiff
  48. Norfolk Terrier
  49. Norwich Terrier
  50. Old English Sheepdog (Bobtail)
  51. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher
  52. Parson Jack Russell Terrier
  53. Perdigueiro Portugues
  54. Pinscher (all sizes)
  55. Polish Lowland Sheepdog
  56. Poodle (all sizes)
  57. Poodlepointer
  58. Podengo Portugues
  59. Pumi
  60. Rottweiler
  61. Schipperke
  62. Schnauzer (all sizes)
  63. Sealyham Terrier
  64. Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
  65. Spinone Italiano
  66. Sredneasioatskaia Ovtcharka
  67. Sussex Spaniel
  68. Vastgotaspets
  69. Weimaraner (both types)
  70. Welsh Corgi Pembroke
  71. Welsh Spaniel
  72. Welsh Terrier
  73. Yorkshire Terrier

RESOLUTION ON THE BREEDING OF PET ANIMALS

adopted by the Multilateral Consultation on 10 March 1995

The Parties of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, by virtue of the terms of reference laid down in Article 15;

Recognising that these terms of reference imply the monitoring of the implementation of the provisions of the Convention and the development of common and co-ordinated programmes in the field of pet animal welfare;

Anxious to encourage full respect of the provisions of the Convention;

Recalling that Article S of the Convention provides for a selection of pet animal for breeding which takes account of the anatomical, physiological and behavioural characteristics which are likely to put at risk the health and welfare of either the offspring or the female parent;

Aware that problems are encountered with the implementation of these provisions, in particular with the development of extreme characteristics detrimental to the health and welfare of the animals;

Convinced that these problems are related for a large part to the way breeding standards are formulated and interpreted;

Considering therefore that a revision of these breeding standards is necessary in order to fulfil the requirements of Article S of the Convention;

Agreed:

1. 10 encourage breeding associations, in particular cats and dogs breeding associations:

– to reconsider breeding standards in order, if appropriate, to amend those which can cause potential welfare problems, in particular in the light of the recommendations presented in the Appendix;

– to reconsider the standards and to select the animals taking into account not only aesthetic criteria but also behavioural characteristics (for instance with regard to problems of aggressiveness) and abilities;

– to ensure, by good information and education of breeders and judges, that breeding standards are interpreted in such a way as to counteract the development of extreme characteristics (hypertype) which can cause welfare problems;

– to raise public awareness to the problems related to some physical and behavioural characteristics of the animals;

2. if these measures are not sufficient, to consider the possibility of prohibiting the breeding and for phasing out the exhibition and the selling of certain types or breeds when characteristics of these animals correspond to harmful defects such as those presented in the Appendix.

APPENDIX

The Parties are convinced that in the breeding of several breeds or types of pet animals, mammals and birds, insufficient account is taken of anatomical, physiological and behavioural characteristics which are likely to put at risk the animals’ health and welfare.

However, the Parties considered that problems connected with the breeding of cats and dogs should be addressed in priority.

The Parties strongly encourage cat and dog breeding associations to revise their breeding policies in the light of Article S of the Convention taking account in particular of the following guidelines:

Guidelines for the revision of breeding policies:

– set maximum and minimum values for height or weight of very large or small dogs, respectively, to avoid skeleton and joint disorders (e.g. dysplasia of hip joints or elbows, fractures, luxation of elbow or patella, persistent fontanella) and collapse of trachea;

– set maximum values for the proportion between length and height of short-legged dogs (e.g. Bassethound, Dachshund)L to avoid disorders of the vertebral column;

– set limits to the shortness of skull, respectively nose, so that breathing difficulties and blockage of lachrymal ducts are avoided, as well as disposition to birth difficulties (e.g. Persian cats, especially the “extreme type”, Bulldogs, Japan Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Pekin Palacedog);

– prevent the occurrence of:

– a persistent fontanella (e.g. Chihuahua) to avoid brain damages;

– abnormal positions of legs (e.g. very steep line of hind legs in Chow Chow, Norwegian Buhund, Swedish Lapphund, Finnish Spitz; bowed legs in Bassethound, Pekin Palacedog, Shi Tzu) to avoid difficulties in movement and joint degeneration;

– abnormal positions of teeth (e.g. brachygnathia in Boxers, Bulldogs, Persian Cats) to avoid difficulties in feeding and caring for the new-born;

– abnormal size and form of eyes or eyelids (e.g. ectropium: Bassethound, Bloodhound, St. Bernard; small deep lying eves with disposition to entropium: Airedale Terrier, Australian Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Bullterrier, Bloodhound, Chow Chow, English Toy Terrier, Jagdterrier, Newfoundland, Shar Pei; large, protruding eyes: Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Japan Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Pug, Pekin Palacedog, Shi Tzu, Tibet Terrier) to avoid irritation, inflammation and degeneration as well as prolapse of eyes;

1 The breeds mentioned in brackets are only examples in which these problems may occur.

– very long ears (e.g. English Cocker Spaniel, Bassethound, Bloodhound) to avoid disposition to injuries:

– markedly folded skin (e.g. Bassethound, Bulldog, Bloodhound, Pug, Pekin Palacedog, Shar Pei) to avoid eczema’s and in the case of furrows around the eyes irritation and inflammation of eyes;

-avoid or, if it is not possible to eliminate severe defects, discontinued breeding of:

– animals carrying semi-lethal factors (e.g. Entlebucher Cattledog);

– animals carrying recessive defect-genes (e.g. homocygotic Scottish Fold Cat: short legs, vertebral column and tail defects)

– hairless dogs and cats (lack of protection against sun and chill, disposition to significant reduction of number of teeth, semi-lethal factor)

– Manx-cat (movement disorder, disposition to vertebral column defects, difficulties in

elimination of urine and faeces, semi-lethal factor)

– cats carrying “dominant white” (significant disposition to deafness);

– dogs carrying “Merle factor” (significant disposition to deafness and eye disorders, e.g.: Blue merle Collie, Merle Sheltie, Merle Corgie, Merle Bobtail, Tigerdogge, Tigerteckel).