The Swedish Agricultural Agency’s proposal for pets is criticized by the Center Party

The Swedish Agricultural Agency’s proposal for stricter demands on pet owners has led to great anger.

Now also from the Center Party.

– This proposal is rigid and pitiful, says the party’s environmental policy spokesman Stina Larsson.

The Swedish Board of Agriculture’s proposal that housing for Swedish pets must be significantly larger than today stir up emotions in social media and among animal associations. The Center Party also criticizes the new rules.

– Basically, it is good to review the animal welfare rules, but this proposal is too rigid and pitiful, says Stina Larsson, environmental policy spokesperson and member of the Environment and Agriculture Committee.

Rural Minister Peter Kullgren (KD) has been called to the committee and Larsson now demands that he answer a number of questions linked to the new proposal. What assignment the government has given the authority, what problems exist and how the changes are linked to the emergency preparedness and food strategy.

For example, if the new rules come into force, a hen will need to have a cage of at least four square meters. Today, the same figure is 0.015 square.

– Of course, the animals should have proper space, but you forget that they often run freely. The most important thing here is to look at the whole and protect the pet owners we have, says Stina Larsson.

She points out that smaller producers in Sweden will be hit hard if the new rules are introduced.

– You have to be able to be flexible and not stare blindly at square meters. We have many enthusiasts who are committed and run associations. We have to take advantage of that, not just sit and enact laws and regulations, says Larsson.

The plan is for the new rules to enter into force on 1 January 2026. Last week, Kajsa Sefastsson, veterinarian and animal welfare officer, told Aftonbladet that the referral was developed with the help of expert representatives from various organizations and authorities.

“The proposal means a change that we see as necessary as current regulations are from the late 1990s and we know more today about the needs of the animals”. She then stated.