Anyone who wants to keep exotic animals such as reptiles, amphibians or parrots within their own four walls in Vienna needs their own certificate of competence. “This is mandatory from January 1, 2023,” as the responsible city councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ) explained on Monday. The certificates are awarded after the participants have completed their own courses.
The certificate of competence for dog owners, which already exists in Vienna, is a model. In the future, people who choose snakes, chameleons, geckos or parrots will also need to document that they have been informed about keeping them. The courses each last approximately four hours and cost 40 euros.
The proof must then be presented at the official registration, which is prescribed for such wild animals in the National Animal Protection Act. Pet owners who have already registered their pet with scales or feathers are not required to provide proof later. It only applies to new owners who do this for the first time from next year for the relevant animal species.
Vienna takes on a pioneering role
The decision was made because many of these animals live lives of peaceful suffering, as Czernohorszky emphasized. Vienna is the first federal state to take a corresponding initiative. The Vienna NEOS spokeswoman Angelika Pipal-Leixner was also happy that such a package had been put together.
Last but not least, the reason for the procedure is cases where abandoned animals are discovered and their owners are overwhelmed. Eva Persy, head of the animal ombuds service in Vienna, said the aim was to avoid ill-considered purchases with the courses or proof in advance. “A lot of people just have the wrong idea,” she said.
Some rules to observe
For example, it is a misconception that keeping terrarium animals is not expensive. You also cannot build a relationship with them: “They want to be left alone by people.” Many are also unfamiliar with the regulations. For the popular Greek tortoises alone, the terrariums would have to be very large, she warned.
As part of the exotic clientele – there are separate courses for reptiles, amphibians and parrots alike – experts provide basic knowledge about keeping and caring for them. Information is also provided on how to handle the animals safely. The legal provisions are also explained. In Vienna they are quite strict: keeping poisonous reptiles and amphibians, for example, is generally prohibited in the federal capital.
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.
