The Positive List
in Europe
One Positive List for all EU member states
AAP advocates for the development of Positive Lists both at a national and European level. With this initiative, we aim to prevent the ownership of unsuitable exotic pets. Thanks in part to the efforts of AAP and other animal welfare organisations, the Dutch government will implement a Positive List for mammals from 2024 onward. A milestone in the field of animal welfare!
While the concept of a Positive List originated in the Netherlands, several EU member states have preceded us. Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Cyprus,, and Lithuania have already taken this step, and proposals for a Positive List are currently being developed in France and Spain.
However, obtaining a Positive List in each individual EU member state takes a considerable amount of time. That’s why AAP, in collaboration with partners like Eurogroup for Animals, is simultaneously working towards the introduction of a European Positive List. This would apply uniformly to all EU member states – a significant step forward for animal welfare in Europe! What is the current status of the process concerning the European Positive List?
While the concept of a Positive List originated in the Netherlands, several EU member states have preceded us. Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, Cyprus,, and Lithuania have already taken this step, and proposals for a Positive List are currently being developed in France and Spain.
However, obtaining a Positive List in each individual EU member state takes a considerable amount of time. That’s why AAP, in collaboration with partners like Eurogroup for Animals, is simultaneously working towards the introduction of a European Positive List. This would apply uniformly to all EU member states – a significant step forward for animal welfare in Europe! What is the current status of the process concerning the European Positive List?
Various approaches
To convince both the members of the European Parliament and the members of the European Commission of the benefit of a European Positive List, we are increasing the pressure in various ways.We organise events that politicians are invited to, we run campaigns that highlight the European Positive List as one of the solutions, and we create petitions to demonstrate the support of the European public.
Feasibility
Towards the end of 2022, two resolutions were adopted, mentioning the European Positive List as a promising instrument to eliminate the risks associated with the ownership of exotic pets. The goal is a feasibility study commissioned by the European Commission, examining how a European Positive List can fit into European legislation. With the results of such a study, we can press for the next phase: drafting a legislative proposal.Lions Marley and Elsa
Lions Marley and Elsa were sold as cubs on the internet and kept as pets in Germany. They escaped and eventually ended up at AAP. Here, they can simply be "lions".
With a European Positive List, we aim to prevent animals like Marley and Elsa from being kept as pets.
With a European Positive List, we aim to prevent animals like Marley and Elsa from being kept as pets.
What are the advantages of a European Positive List
compared to individual Positive Lists?
A European Positive List is the most effective approach to addressing animal suffering, public health risks, and (illegal) wildlife trafficking in Europe and beyond. Ensuring the EU adopts this regulation is therefore one of AAP’s main goals. But what are the specific advantages of a European Positive List compared to individual Positive Lists?
As each EU member state is responsible for formulating and implementing legislation within its territory, Positive Lists may differ across the EU. Each member state will design its own assessment system for animal species, and the accepted level of risk may vary from one member state to another.
This divergence could mean that in one member state, species like a degu, sugar glider, or chinchilla are allowed as pets, while in another member state, they are not. A European Positive List applicable to all EU member states ensures harmonisation.
According to AAP, the greatest benefit of harmonisation is that countries currently lacking a national Positive List would either receive a European List or be instructed by Europe to develop a national one. In addition, a European Positive List would provide clarity on the species approved at the European level.
This divergence could mean that in one member state, species like a degu, sugar glider, or chinchilla are allowed as pets, while in another member state, they are not. A European Positive List applicable to all EU member states ensures harmonisation.
According to AAP, the greatest benefit of harmonisation is that countries currently lacking a national Positive List would either receive a European List or be instructed by Europe to develop a national one. In addition, a European Positive List would provide clarity on the species approved at the European level.
These animals were also kept as pets
A significant number of the animals in our care have a history as pets, ranging from lions to Barbary macaques and from servals to common marmosets. Without a (European) Positive List, it remains legal to acquire all sorts of exotic pets. Unfortunately, AAP is all too aware of the consequences this can lead to. Below, you’ll find the stories of common marmoset Mainz and Barbary macaque Izzy.Common marmoset Mainz
White-tufted marmoset Mainz was still very young when a breeder sold him to a German woman. Considering him a charming "pet", she confined him to a room. A terrible life for a social animal like a white-tufted marmoset, as they naturally live in groups in the tropical rainforests of Brazil.
Fortunately, Mainz was seized by German authorities and taken to AAP in Almere. In our mammal department, he receives the care he needs and lives with a conspecific.
Fortunately, Mainz was seized by German authorities and taken to AAP in Almere. In our mammal department, he receives the care he needs and lives with a conspecific.
Barbary macaque Izzy
Barbary macaque Izzy also had a life as a pet. She was kept in solitary confinement in a small garden enclosure in the German town of Hessen. While it is still permitted to keep Barbary macaques as pets in Hessen, they cannot be kept alone due to their social nature. Izzy was therefore seized and brought to AAP. Here, she was found to have several health issues. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence in exotic animals kept as pets. At AAP, we provide Izzy with the specialised care she needs and aim to find her a conspecific to live with.
More about the Positive List
Do you wonder which EU member states already have a Positive List in place? Or which ones do not? Hover your mouse over the map below to see the current status per EU country.Want to know more about the Positive List in the Netherlands? Click here.
