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.
| 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.