Illegal pet trade, unacceptable conditions during transport and people tormenting their four-legged friends because they are overwhelmed: all these cruel realities are on the table almost daily in the animal corner “Krone”. “The discount battle must come to an end. It’s not about the money,” said animal rights activist Maggie Entenfellner in a live conversation with moderator Conny Winiwarter. There are proposed solutions. But the ball is in the ÖVP’s court – and in our court.
These are puppies that are separated from their mothers much too early and locked up in apartments or have to lie in their own stool: these are the consequences of the illegal pet trade. The so-called puppy smuggling is booming. No wonder, after all, anyone can become a dog breeder. “You only have to send an email to the district – and I’m already a dog breeder”, the ambitious animal rights activist shows little understanding for this lax approach. Because no one checks whether the conditions are correct.
Ball at the ÖVP: “Hope dies last”
The “puppy mafia” must be stopped, demands the animal corner “Krone” under Entenfellner: “The breeding of dogs and cats must be subject to licensing.” A corresponding proposal from the Greens has been on the government table for some time. Now it is up to the coalition partner, the ÖVP. “This proposal is a milestone for animal welfare. Hope dies last that the ÖVP agrees,” says Entenfellner, referring to the current disagreements in the coalition.
16 million euros untaxed profit
Until the government comes to an agreement, “hobby breeders earn a decent amount of money from the illegal pet trade.” And in addition to animal welfare, there is also a completely different aspect to consider: hobby breeders – legal or illegal – do not pay taxes. The “wild growth” seems not only lucrative, but also attractive.
“Have a greed is cool mentality”
However, Entenfellner does not accept that the responsibility should be passed on to others. After all, the consumer has the most power: “With every purchase I give a production order.” According to the animal rights activist, it is not because of the money that only a small 3 percent of Austrians choose organic meat. “We have a ‘cheap is cool’ mentality,” she sums up.
In the video above you can see why the problem could turn into a supply problem, why no one in Austria wants to buy turkey meat and how Entenfellner is in favor of tougher penalties for animal abusers.
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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.
