On March 2, 2026, the Law “On Veterinary Medicine and Animal Welfare” officially came into force in Ukraine. This was reported by the State Service for Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.

This is a key stage in the European integration of the Ukrainian agricultural sector, bringing domestic norms closer to EU standards. For the first time, the concept of “welfare” as an animal’s physical and mental state has been enshrined in legislation. Humane requirements for the maintenance, transportation and slaughter of farm animals have been introduced.

Control over the registration and circulation of veterinary drugs has been strengthened to remove counterfeit products from the market and ensure high-quality livestock products. Harmonisation of rules opens wider access to the markets of the European Union and the world for Ukrainian meat and milk producers. A transition to electronic veterinary certificates and prescriptions is provided for. This law replaces the previous version and creates a modern legal framework for the entire industry.

The law has entered into force. This is a systemic update of the rules in the field of animal health, which forms a modern model of state control and raises the standards of their well-being. The law strengthens the system of early detection and prevention of animal diseases. It reduces the risks of the spread of infections and losses for farms,” the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection noted.