Now everything is moving very quickly: for an incredible nine years, the Lower Austrian authorities have turned a blind eye, although the abuses at a fattening farm in the district of St. Pölten were already known to the authorities. The association against animal factories (VGT) and the “Krone Tierecke” denounced the animal cruelty, were on the scene on Tuesday and allowed the State Council for Animal Welfare, Gottfried Waldhäusl, and his colleague Stephan Pernkopf, State Council for Agriculture, to tackle the matter immediately,
Sheep, goats and cattle, which vegetate in appalling conditions, stand in their own excrement 24/7. There is at least one carcass in every bay, some of which are already mummified. The current recordings, which were made available anonymously to the VGT, caused a stir on Tuesday. A local inspection was unsuccessful, as neither the farm owner nor the responsible district captain would comment on the matter. “Krone” animal expert Maggie Entenfellner was shocked: “It can’t get any worse!”
Farmer admitted the authenticity of the images
She immediately contacted Gottfried Waldhäusl, county councilor for animal welfare in Lower Austria. Despite a busy schedule, he arranged the matter and drove with the official veterinarian to the horror farm, where the owner then admitted that the photos published by the VGT came from his stables. In fact, the stable corridors were full of waste, the animals are extremely emaciated. As an immediate measure, the four-legged friends were provided with bedding. In addition, there is no acute need for action in terms of immediate acceptance – but the owner of the animal is under the supervision of the authorities, according to the first conclusion.
Entenfellner: “Without pressure, rarely anything happens!”
In an initial response, Gottfried Waldhäusl announced that he would try to clear up the allegations immediately. “Networking farmers are put in a bad light by these kinds of messages,” the politician says angrily. Nevertheless, he wanted to know who in the particular case looked the other way and is responsible – reports must follow the full clarification. Maggie Entenfellner praises the efforts of the State Councilor and his colleague Pernkopf, but also states: “There always seems to be pressure from the media and the public to finally intervene in such animal cruelty!”
“Krone Tierecke” takes care of farm cats
A very special chapter in this tragedy is the numerous unneutered cats and males on the farm – another clear violation of the applicable laws, because the free cats reproduce uncontrollably. “The farmer has actually denied to Mr. Waldhäusl today that the animals are from his farm,” says Maggie Entenfellner. “But the VGT has photos that prove otherwise and will send them to us shortly.” Together with Andrea Specht from the animal shelter in Krems, she takes care of the animals, has them captured and provides veterinary care. Then, if necessary, the four-legged friends are accommodated in the cat house of the “Krone Tierecke”.
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.
