Genetics, conformation and welfare in dogs and cats: an exchange with experts
Background
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) invites you to an online event focused on an exchange of views among experts in the field of welfare of dogs and cats. In particular, the focus will be on genetics and conformational traits, and their impact on health and welfare.
In June 2026, the European Commission adopted the Regulation on the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, marking an important step towards strengthening animal welfare standards across the EU.
Under the Regulation, the European Commission may adopt supplementary measures based on EFSA’s scientific opinions, including measures on the breeding of dogs and cats with excessive conformational traits.
In this context, EFSA is seeking to further develop its expertise in this area.
Objectives of the meeting
The event will bring together experts to discuss recent scientific developments, key challenges and risk assessment activities concerning genetics and excessive conformational traits in dogs and cats, with a special focus on their effects on animal health and welfare and on the potential use of indicators.
Structure of the meeting
The meeting will feature presentations by subject-matter experts and focus on the following three discussion points:
- What are the main challenges in developing a clear and practical definition of an “excessive conformational trait”?
- What scientific evidence is available on the health and welfare consequences associated to excessive conformational traits?
- What scientific evidence supports the development and use of quantitative indicators for their assessment?
The event will conclude with a Questions & Answers session.
Participants will be able to submit questions through the webinar chat. Given the event’s scientific focus, questions should relate to scientific matters. Questions concerning the implementation of the legislation, which fall within the remit of risk managers rather than EFSA, will not be addressed.
Questions will be addressed based on their relevance for the three discussion points that will be discussed.
Who should attend?
This webinar is open to all stakeholders and professionals interested in animal welfare science, and more specifically in genetics and conformational traits in dogs and cats.
We look forward to your participation in this important scientific discussion.
On-line registration
The registration form can be found at: https://events.efsa.europa.eu/event/ar/1138/online-efsa-event-genetics-conformation-and-welfare-in-dogs-and-cats-an-exchange-with-experts
Please note that registration will close by 14 October 2026 at 12.00 CEST.
After registration submission, your participation will be automatically confirmed.
You will receive the link to attend the webinar after closure of registration, few days before the event.
Organisational details
The event will be held online on 16 October 2026 from 10:00 to 13:00 (CEST). Further details will be communicated to selected participants. English will be the language of the event, and no translation will be provided.
Unauthorised recording, transmission or transcription of the event/meeting, including through the use of Artificial Intelligence tools, is not permitted. Participants are also expected to refrain from any conduct that may disrupt the proper running of the event/meeting, including the use of AI-generated or other content in a manner that interferes with the proceedings. Where such situations arise, the chairperson or organisers may take appropriate measures, such as restricting access to certain functionalities, or removing the participant from the event/meeting.
Contact
Do not hesitate to contact the organising committee at webinars [at] efsa.europa.eu for more information.