Nine years ago, a fattening pig farm in the district of St. Pölten attracted attention because of shortcomings in livestock farming. Despite complaints from the Association against Animal Factories (VGT), official measures were only taken, which later turned out to be completely inadequate. Because in recent days countless neglected, emaciated animals have been discovered among the carcasses of their congeners. The indignation was great, thanks to “Krone Tierecke” something started to move. Now the farmer responsible for the animal welfare disaster spoke up.
The system in Austria falters, that much is clear. At the moment, a company is checked by the official veterinarian on average every 50 years, SPÖ animal welfare spokesperson Dietmar Keck emphasized in a broadcast. The veterinarians present employed by each farm would be selected by the farmer himself. According to the politician, this “system of self-control” should become a “system of responsibility”. And Helga Krismer, the Greens’ state spokeswoman, sees a “silence and look the other way” system given the conditions at the animal farm.
“Krone Tierecke” was there
The case is shocking, the images hard to bear even for hardened people: dozens of sheep, goats and cattle, vegetating in appalling conditions, stand around the clock in their own excrement. There is at least one carcass in every bay, some of which are already mummified. “Krone” animal expert Maggie Entenfellner was on the scene with the VGT on Tuesday to confront the animal owner in vain. She was shocked: “It can’t get any worse!” But the expert did not give up and managed to get a written statement from the horror farmer.
Farmer to the “Krone”: “Was overwhelmed!”
The owner of the animal, who had already confirmed the authenticity of the photos to the provincial councilor for animal welfare in Lower Austria, Gottfried Waldhäusl, mobilized by Maggie Entenfellner, regrets the conditions at his farm on the “Krone Tierecke”: “I regret very much that we did not realize that the working situation on the farm and health complaints on my part have overwhelmed us immensely for the past six months, I am aware that this does not excuse the fact that the animal care was not sufficient.” He now wants to cooperate with the authorities and make the necessary changes in the company.
Authorities still sloppy?
How can such a complaint go unnoticed for a long time? Especially if the court was already known to the authorities? Another local inspection took place on Tuesday at the site of the event – bedding was made available to the four-legged friends as an immediate measure. However, there was no acute need for action in terms of immediate acceptance, which led to fierce criticism from animal rights activists. A criminal investigation into the cause has also not started.
District administration justifies itself
In an initial response, Gottfried Waldhäusl announced that he would try to clear up the allegations immediately. He wanted to know who in the specific case looked the other way and is responsible for it – ads must follow the full explanation. Maggie Entenfellner praises the commitment of the county council, but also states: “It seems that there is always a need for media and therefore public pressure to finally intervene in such animal cruelty!” Deputy District Governor Christian Pehofer explains the procedure of his authority by the fact that official veterinarian checks most recently in 2019 and 2020 there were no deviations. The state of Lower Austria is still demanding a report on the events.
“Krone Tierecke” takes care of farm cats
A very special chapter in this tragedy are the numerous unneutered cats and males on the farm – another clear violation of the applicable laws, because the free cats reproduce uncontrollably. Maggie Entenfellner and Andrea Specht from the animal shelter in Krems look after the animals, have them captured and provide veterinary care. Then, if necessary, the four-legged friends are accommodated in the cat house of the “Krone Tierecke”. “My stomach turned when I saw the photos from the shed,” says the expert. “Quick help was a personal concern for me! I can at least get the cats to safety right away.”
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.
