Abstract
Dog breeding and dog trade are strictly regulated by EU-legislation, as well as by national and regional legislations. Nevertheless, it is believed that part of the puppies traded within the EU are younger than the legal minimum age, with the risk of compromising their own health and wellbeing as well as public health. A proper age determination is necessary to expose potential malpractices. Combining multiple independent methods is essential to compensate for possible variations in one single estimation method. Assessment of the dental age and bone age, more specifically by evaluating the eruption status of the dentition and the radiographic appearance and formation of ossification centers are both eligible. However, current available data are not detailed enough. In order to improve the accuracy and reduce the error in age estimation, more breed specific data are required, more intermediate development stages must be described and possible developmental disorders and pathologies must be considered.
Highlights
According to the Fediaf report of 2019, an estimated 25% of the European Union households owns at least one dog
Combining multiple independent methods is essential to compensate for possible variations in one single estimation method
Age assessment in legal cases requires optimal accuracy, which can be met by combining multiple independent methods in order to compensate for possible variations in any single estimation method (Schmeling et al, 2008)
Summary
According to the Fediaf report of 2019, an estimated 25% of the European Union households owns at least one dog. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 of 28 June 2013 on the model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets, the establishment of lists of territories and third countries and the format, layout and language requirements of the declarations attesting compliance with certain conditions provided for in Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2013/577/2014-12-29. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1206 of 12 July 2019 amending Part 1 of Annex E to Council Directive 92/65/EEC as regards the animal health certificate for trade in dogs, cats and ferrets (notified under document C(2019) 5210) http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2019/1206/oj. Research into the biological age of dogs is still in its infancy, and is, promising for age estimation within all age categories, not applicable as yet
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