Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture Martine Hansen and Green MEP Tilly Metz have both voiced strong objections to puppy yoga following RTL’s recent report on the trend.
In their responses, they announced plans for stricter penalties to be enforced by the national veterinary inspection authority, as well as stronger European Union regulations on breeding practices and illegal trade in puppies and kittens. Authorities in Luxembourg are determined not to tolerate puppy yoga in its current form.
Both Hansen and Metz are adamant: animals, especially puppies, do not belong in yoga classes. They stress that, without explicit authorisation from the veterinary inspection service, these activities are not permitted.
Hansen notes that the country’s existing animal welfare legislation is broad and generally effective, since it covers the trade in animals. However, puppy yoga sessions do not meet criteria for animal welfare or appropriate handling of young dogs.
The Minister also raises questions about what happens to the puppies once they are no longer young enough for such events, asking whether they might end up in animal shelters.
According to Hansen, had the organisers of the recent puppy yoga event sought official approval, their concept would have been thoroughly scrutinised, and authorities would have checked whether their advertised animal welfare measures were respected in practice.
She states clearly that, in its current form, puppy yoga would not receive authorisation in Luxembourg.
The company Yoga Paws, which was found operating without the required permit, has since relocated its puppy yoga events to Metz, France, where authorisation would also be required.
Luxembourg’s veterinary inspection has informed the relevant French authorities and is awaiting feedback.
Animal welfare is a priority for Tilly Metz in the European Parliament. She welcomes new EU legislation on the breeding of dogs and cats, which is set to take effect in 2028.
The new rules will impose stricter requirements on animal welfare in both breeding and the transport of animals, including activities such as puppy yoga.
Metz highlights the urgent need for reform, citing breeders who knowingly risk the lives of puppies and kittens during transport, a practice that continues to generate profit despite the risks.
Lis Stirn, a veterinarian, has also raised another potential illegality: puppies used in yoga classes may be transported across borders without the required rabies vaccination.
The upcoming EU legislation will also make microchipping mandatory for puppies, improving traceability and targeting the massive illegal pet trade.
The rules also address so-called "torture breeding", or the breeding of animals for extreme traits, which in some cases will be completely banned.
Metz says the European Parliament has done solid work on these reforms. However, as is often the case, actual implementation at national level is challenging. She welcomes the fact that EU member states will be able to veto practices such as puppy yoga.
Several countries have already acted. Italy has banned puppy yoga after animal welfare organisations filed complaints of animal cruelty two years ago.
The Netherlands is considering a ban, while in Vienna the animal welfare ombudsperson has flagged puppy yoga as a violation of animal welfare standards.
Switzerland recommends that its cantons do not allow puppy yoga, and various German states, including Stuttgart, have also prohibited the activity.
Luxembourg’s animal welfare law is generally considered robust, according to organisations such as Alpa. However, these groups criticise the sometimes inconsistent enforcement in practice.
Both animal welfare organisations and veterinarians are united in their position: puppy yoga and animal welfare do not go hand in hand.
