The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development has approved Administrative Instruction (MAFRD) 27/2024 regarding the technical conditions that animal breeders of companion animals must meet for keeping, donating, and selling.

This Administrative Instruction outlines the technical and professional conditions that must be met by entities for the breeding of animals, as well as the conditions that must be respected to ensure the complete welfare of the animals. This AI will apply to both planned and unplanned breeding, for companion animals intended for keeping, donating, or selling.

Some key points of this Administrative Instruction:

🐕🐈🐇 The breeding of companion animals can only be done in licensed centers for this purpose.

❌ The sale of dogs and cats in pet stores is prohibited.

✅ To be licensed, breeding centers must meet all the necessary conditions to ensure the full welfare of the animals.

👫🏻 Individuals who wish to breed their companion animals can only do so in licensed centers.

🐾 Animals must spend at least 8 hours a day in spaces dedicated to free movement and socialization with other animals of the same kind (when appropriate).

❌ The sale and donation of animals to persons under the age of 18 are prohibited.

🗂️ Breeding centers must request proof of the conditions of animal care before selling or donating.

✍️ The responsible person and the staff of the breeding center must be trained in the keeping and breeding of animals, ensuring the complete physical and psychological safety and well-being of the companion animals.

ℹ️ The breeding center is obliged to provide the owner or new caretaker with written instructions on the specific needs of the types of animals for each companion animal sold or donated, such as: proper feeding needs, space and care requirements, avoidance of discomfort, suffering, anxiety, fear, stress, and disease, responsible keeping, and legal obligations for responsible animal care.