In 2025, the issue of animal welfare has taken on renewed importance across Europe. Several countries have initiated major reforms, marking a decisive turning point in the recognition of animal rights and in the way they are protected daily. This article offers an overview of the most significant advances, revealing how France, Italy, Spain, and other European nations are now placing animal welfare at the heart of their legislative and societal priorities.

France: a major step forward for animal welfare – towards the end of animal testing?

Since January 1st, 2025, France has introduced a levy on the use of animals in experimental research, as part of its 2025 finance law. The goal is clear: to encourage the development of animal-free alternatives.

Amount: €1 per animal used in authorized research projects or certain practical training sessions
Who is affected: Public and private institutions using animals, in accordance with the Rural and Maritime Fishing Code
Purpose: To fund research programs focused on alternatives to animal testing

In 2022, more than 2 million animals were used for experiments in France. This measure could raise significant funds, especially considering that 90% of treatments effective on animals fail or are harmful to humans.

Italy: large dogs now allowed in cabin

Since May 2025, Italy allows large dogs and cats to travel in airplane cabins with their humans. Previously, only animals under 8–10 kg were permitted.

The new rule requires that the total weight of the animal and its crate does not exceed that of an average passenger. The animal must be in an approved crate, and safety gear (harnesses, straps) is required to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Spain: three days of paid leave for the loss of a pet

Madrid-based company Patitas&Co introduced in 2025 a bereavement leave policy: three days of paid leave when a companion animal dies. The initiative recognizes the deep emotional bond between humans and animals and offers employees time to grieve without pressure.

Although this measure is not yet widespread in Spain, it could inspire other companies to adopt similar policies, highlighting the need to consider employees’ emotional well-being in the workplace

Towards european recognition of animal rights

In March 2025, the European Declaration of Animal Rights (EDAR) was officially launched. Citizens, associations, and policymakers are invited to support it to accelerate its adoption across the EU.

Its ambition is to create a shared foundation for animal protection across Europe and to strengthen national laws through a unified, ethical, and ambitious framework.

Other advances across Europe

While France, Italy, and Spain stand out with recent reforms, other European countries have also made significant progress in recent years:

Germany 🇩🇪

Ban on euthanizing shelter animals (except for medical reasons)

End of male chick culling (since 2022)

Target to phase out cage farming by 2030

The Netherlands 🇳🇱

Ongoing debates on granting legal status or personhood to animals

Planned reduction of industrial farming for ethical and environmental reasons

Sweden 🇸🇪

Very strict animal welfare laws: enrichment, outdoor access, limited density

Switzerland 🇨🇭

Mandatory cohabitation for social species (e.g., guinea pigs, rabbits)

Advanced laws on care, experimentation, and food

Austria 🇦🇹

Animals legally recognized as “beings and not objects” since 1988

These measures reflect a growing awareness in favor of animal welfare. Whether it is facilitating the transport of pets, recognizing their importance in our personal and professional lives, or promoting alternatives to animal testing, these actions demonstrate increased awareness and commitment to animal well-being. Hopefully, these advances will inspire other countries and institutions to follow this path, building together a future more respectful of all forms of life.