Cyprus will implement new European rules to combat illegal animal sales

By February 2026, new European regulations aimed at combating the illegal trade of dogs and cats will be adopted, according to Dimitris Epaminondas, president of the Cyprus Veterinary Association.

Under the new rules, special software will be introduced to track and block online advertisements for the sale of animals. Illegal trading will be criminalized, and penalties for violations will be significantly increased.

At the same time, the European Veterinary Federation is promoting an initiative to completely end the breeding of animals for fur.

Epaminondas noted that the upcoming changes will also affect zoos, but emphasized that "animal health must come first," despite commercial interests.

These topics were discussed at the General Assembly of the European Veterinary Federation, held in Cyprus from 13 to 15 November, which gathered representatives from 40 countries.