The fines for non-compliant transport of animals will be tightened. In the future, up to 500 euros can be demanded on the spot per violation, according to Animal Welfare Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens). Serious violations will result in further administrative criminal proceedings.
A draft for an accompanying regulation has been in the assessment phase since Friday. “We turn a lot of screws to reduce animal suffering. Even in an industrialized agricultural system, animal welfare must come first,” says Animal Welfare Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens).
Until now, there have only been sanctions after an administrative criminal procedure. In the future, the police can issue fines of up to 500 euros per violation on the spot. “If multiple violations are reported during an inspection, this can add up to a considerable amount. And that’s a good thing – because animals are living beings, not goods,” Rauch said in a broadcast. To implement the new regulation, the traffic police and the veterinary authorities of the federal states would have to work together, for example in joint training and right-of-way checks.
Removal of animals and admission possible
Serious violations continue to be prosecuted with administrative sanctions. Stopping, unloading and in special cases also removing animals is possible. If a transport company violates the law several times, the license can be revoked.
If Rauch has his way, strict EU-wide rules will also be needed. For example, it must be clearly arranged which vehicles are suitable for transport and which are not. “Austria and some other countries pursue the clear goal of reducing transports to countries outside the EU, especially transport by ship (…). We owe it to the animals to implement improvements quickly,” said the Minister of Animal Welfare. A proposal for uniform rules has already been sent to EU Commissioner Stella Kyriakides. The EU Council on Agriculture and Fisheries will take place on Monday.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
