European Convention For The Protection of Pet Animals

The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals is a treaty of the Council of Europe to promote the welfare of pet animals and ensure minimum standards for their treatment and protection. The treaty was signed in 1987 and became effective on May 1, 1992, after at least four countries had ratified it. Adherence to the treaty is open and not limited to member countries of the Council of Europe.

Member countries of the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals
Country Signed Ratified Entry into force
Austria October 2, 1997 August 10, 1999 March 1, 2000
Azerbaijan October 22, 2003
Belgium November 13, 1987 December 20, 1991 July 1, 1992
Bulgaria May 21, 2003 July 20, 2004 February 1, 2005
Cyprus December 9, 1993 December 9, 1993 July 1, 1994
Czech Republic June 24, 1998 September 23, 1998 March 24, 1999
Denmark November 13, 1987 October 20, 1992 May 1, 1993
Finland December 2, 1991 December 2, 1991 July 1, 1992
France December 18, 1996 October 3, 2003 May 1, 2004
Germany June 21, 1988 May 27, 1991 May 1, 1992
Greece November 13, 1987 April 29, 1992 November 1, 1992
Italy November 13, 1987
Lithuania September 11, 2003 May 19, 2004 December 1, 2004
Luxembourg November 13, 1987 October 25, 1991 May 1, 1992
Netherlands November 13, 1987
Norway November 13, 1987 February 3, 1988 May 1, 1992
Portugal November 13, 1987 June 28, 1993 January 1, 1994
Romania June 23, 2003 August 6, 2004 March 1, 2005
Sweden March 14, 1989 March 14, 1989 May 1, 1992
Switzerland November 13, 1990 November 3, 1993 June 1, 1994
Turkey November 18, 1999 November 28, 2003 June 1, 2004
Countries in italics do allow tail docking.

Several countries (such as France and the United Kingdom) did not sign or ratify the treaty due to concerns by dog breeding associations who opposed the treaty's ban on tail docking (§10.1(a)) and on the cropping of ears (§10.1(b)). A review of the treaty performed in 1995 resulted in minor modifications of the text and allowed signatory states to declare themselves exempt from certain paragraphs of the treaty. Subsequently, a number of additional countries signed and ratified the treaty, making use of this provision by declaring themselves exempt from the prohibition of tail docking. No country that has ratified the treaty made any reservations regarding the other cosmetic surgeries prohibited by §10: cropping of ears, removal of vocal cords, and declawing.

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