On Wednesday it was announced that the federal government wants to push through its animal welfare package unchanged, despite numerous negative statements. Agriculture minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) sees little room for higher standards in the stables. “If we raise animal welfare standards too high, we lose the local farmers.”
The ban on full slatted floors is not included in the animal protection law reform planned by Turquoise-Green, which was revised until June 1; In addition, permanent tethering of cattle should be possible until 2030. Animal protection organizations have therefore strongly criticized the cabinet design. “Krone” animal expert Maggie Entenfellner on this: “Austria likes to take on the business of being at the forefront of animal welfare, which does not always stand up to a fact check. The laws on this are only reviewed every few years, so the chance of change must be exploited!”
The animal welfare package should actually be called a “package to extend the entire slatted floor”, according to SPÖ animal welfare spokesperson Dietmar Keck. “The ÖVP Farmers’ Association cares neither about animal welfare nor about the democratic will of the Austrians, hundreds of thousands of whom have supported the animal welfare aspirations,” Keck added.
The Greens’ role in particular disappointed him “extremely”: “We know from many farmers that they would be willing to make changes, but the ÖVP’s agricultural lobby is hindering any progress with its support system and its blockade and the Greens are attacking every turn time again, even still lying around.”
Viennese councilor for animal welfare Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ) said on Thursday that animal suffering would be extended by tethering cattle and fully slatted floors for pigs. “In Vienna, we are committed to treating animals with care, especially with regard to climate and environmentally friendly, ethically responsible food production. Animal fairness is our top priority,” emphasized Czernohorszky.
Source: Krone
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