Save the Dogs – Immediate help from animal corner “Krone” for “Secure Base”

A wave of protest went through the Austrian animal world after the article “Krone” about the 20 guard dogs threatened with euthanasia. Sissy and Konrad Lippitz, who founded a shelter for sheepdogs in need in Lavanttal and are the only authorized point of contact for these large and strong dogs as the “Secure Base” association, have run into financial difficulties.

On the one hand, corona, energy crisis, inflation and storm damage, and in addition, they must repay 20,000 euros in NGO Corona financing within six months because they suddenly turned out not to be eligible for financing upon re-inspection. The feed costs alone have risen from 1200 to 1800 euros per month and there are still 10,000 euros outstanding in veterinary costs. “We are therefore threatened with insolvency and if the farm has to be abandoned, our dogs will have to die because then the authorities will have no other choice,” reports Sissy Lippitz.

Only a miracle can help us, Lippitz is at the end of her strength, and the loss of her beloved dogs would not only break her heart. Every rescued dog has a sad story. It often took months to build trust in the traumatized four-legged friends. Smuggled across the border by dubious animal rights activists, robbed of their own kind of life, these majestic animals must make it through a terrible existence.

The animal corner “Krone” helps with combined forces
It was immediately clear to “Krone” animal corner manager Maggie Entenfellner that the rescue of the farm would be supported by united forces. “The Animal Corner ‘Krone’ will do everything possible to ensure that the farm can continue to exist. Emergency aid is already underway and a separate donation account has been set up so that Austrian animal lovers can also donate,” emphasizes Entenfellner. The Fressnapf company also immediately made a monthly feed ration available.

Sissy and Konrad Lippitz and their 18-year-old daughter Syrina should be able to celebrate a merry Christmas. The 20 livestock guard dogs – “Aragon”, “Joke”, “Nanu”, “Jade”, “Epona”, “Gitte”, “Tira”, “Sirum”, “Fenyra”, “Heino”, “Baikal”, “Tara’, ‘Misu’, ‘Jordi’, ‘Nuripa’, ‘Makahn’, ‘Kaleja’, ‘Appa’, ‘Emba’ and ‘Cataleya’ – will be able to continue living in their paradise in the Lavanttal.

Keeping and importation ban
“We have 50 dogs on the waiting list, but are only allowed to care for 20,” the dog expert emphasizes. The dogs live in spacious enclosures on the farm near Frantschach, but not always. The four-legged friends are used every day. “We have built an intimate foundation of trust with each of the dogs. That requires specialist knowledge and the highest level of competence,” says Lippitz, who wants an absolute stop and import ban, especially for Central Asian Ovcharka, Caucasus and Sarplaninac.

“There is no place for these dogs with us. Due to the wolf discussion, more and more are being transported to Austria and Germany. Those dogs must therefore be put down because no one can take care of them.” The control room, housing and socialization of sheepdogs requires years of experience, a lot of specialist knowledge and a quiet environment.

This has been possible on the farm in Frantschach since 2017. Unfortunately, only 20 are allowed to be cared for. Only if one could be placed, which is not easy, or if a dog dies of old age, can a livestock protection dog move up.