The consequences of cruel animal breeding are diverse: shortness of breath, blindness, joint problems, epilepsy and heart defects are just some of the symptoms. According to a survey by Vier Pfoten, the majority of Austrians would like to see an end to the approach. 83 percent were in favor of a ban on animal breeds affected by cruel breeding traits, the organization announced on Monday.
Cruel breeding is usually characterized by the fact that visual characteristics of the quadrupeds – such as particularly flat noses or short legs – are more important than the health of the animals. Common examples of particularly affected breeds include French bulldogs, pugs, dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Persian cats, Scottish Fold cats and Sphynx cats.
Three out of four respondents know the cultivation of torture from personal experience
According to the survey, knowledge of the problem of cruel breeding is widespread in society, with 77 percent saying they were aware of it, either through personal experience with such an animal or through media reports or campaigns by animal protection organizations.
Once again, Vier Pfoten called for changes to the animal protection laws and the 2nd Animal Husbandry Regulation that had been announced by the government for some time. The issue of breeding torture should also be included there. The animal protection organization is calling for an end to the still-applicable exemption scheme, according to which profit-oriented breeders and puppy traders “very easily find a loophole to circumvent the de facto legal ban on cruel breeding.”
Four Paws calls for a change in the animal welfare law
“It is unbearable that animals have to suffer their entire lives from common beauty ideals. A large proportion of all dog and cat breeds are now affected. The government must finally keep its promise and table an amendment that will put an end to the torment of animals,” says Four Paws campaign leader Veronika Weissenböck.
Breeding associations repeatedly argued that if requirements were tightened, interested buyers would move abroad. According to the survey, this is not the case: only one in seven respondents indicated that they would buy the desired purebred animal abroad if it was not available in Austria. In fact, 86 percent of Austrians would choose another breed or an animal from an animal shelter if the desired breed were affected by health problems.
At the beginning of September, 2,000 people were interviewed for the online survey by the Market Institute on behalf of Vier Pfoten.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
