Is the ÖVP blocking animal protection and whose interests does the Chancellor’s party actually represent? Because both the amendment to the Animal Protection Act and the protection dog training regulations are being boycotted. More and more voices are calling on politicians to take action.
The Naarn tragedy, in which a jogger was bitten to death and almost mauled by a dog, caused an outcry of horror among the population. Shortly afterwards, another woman died from serious injuries caused by a dog.
Two deaths in a very short space of time – it was now clear that politicians had to take action. Minister Johannes Rauch – like many readers of the “Krone” – immediately called for a ban on attack and bite training for private individuals.
Heated debate
What followed was and is a campaign of incitement and lies that is unprecedented. Because anyone who comments critically on this ‘sport’ is met with enormous hostility from its supporters. Even the term ‘sport’ is absurd! Because what’s sporting about bringing an animal down on a human and forcing him to bite by threatening to hit him?
The popular dog trainer Martin Rütter also had this experience and was insulted, threatened and slandered. He has long campaigned, especially in Germany, to ban the training of private protection dogs.
Rütter also sees the problem in the fact that more and more instinctive dogs are being bred that are under constant current and the risk is therefore increasing. “There is no reason for private individuals to train such a dog, except to demonstrate their own strength,” said the popular TV star.
Criticism also within the scene
Norman Schwitters lives in Styria and is a specialist in the field of protection dogs – and has been for many years. He is followed by 68 thousand people on Instagram. He gave an interview to the “Krone” as one of the few who follows this type of training and still criticizes it. Because hardly anyone dares to question the protection dog lobby, which is perceived as aggressive.
Schutzhund training needs to be reformed
Schwitters has been enthusiastically training dogs for security services for decades, but as an expert in the scene he knows that outdated, old methods are too often used here. The associations should have reacted and made improvements a long time ago. “Unfortunately, there has not been enough development in the past ten years,” says the dog professional.
He usually works without protective aid (that is the person who has a bite protection sleeve and is attacked by a dog) – but prefers to work with a ball. When the Crown asked whether it was necessary at all to attract the animal for this dog sport to chase people, he clearly answers NO!
Unfortunately, it is to be feared that Mr Schwitters will face violent accusations and slander following the publication of this article. To date, this has happened to all experts who have given interviews to the “Krone” on this topic.
Like Ernst Kugler, an expert in the dog world for decades. He successfully bred Rottweilers and is a certified expert and judge for Federal Army dogs.
Below the waist
After talking in the TV interview “Krone” about bite wounds, difficult dogs and money as the driving force behind this training, especially in the interest of the ÖKV (Dog Umbrella Association), it took only a few hours before Mr. Kugler resigned from his duties. Reason for this: both he and his family were attacked en masse. Incomprehensible! And there are even more examples.
Private association wants to set the tone
The ÖKV and its supporters are waging a campaign of deceit – just so that a few people can continue to show snarling dogs and the money flows into the ÖKV coffers. Contrary to their press reports, neither the police nor other service dogs would be affected by a ban on seizure training for private individuals.
Even in such important, often volunteer organizations as the sniffer dog team or the mountain rescue services, confusion arises because completely false claims are made. According to their broadcasts, training with bite pads or barking will soon no longer be allowed.
Dogs in the service of society
On the contrary: we can be proud of these dog-human teams and there is nothing to criticize about them! And Minister Rauch also confirmed in a letter: “Rescue, police, military, therapy or assistance dogs are not affected by the planned change.” Rewarding with bite cushions, balls and the like is of course still allowed.
Political networks
It is actually incomprehensible why such a minimal change in the interest of animal protection can cause such waves. In addition to the Greens, the SPÖ and the Neos, as well as an alliance of eleven animal protection organizations, are also calling for an end to bullying and biting of people. Many suspect that there are financial interests behind this and the biggest beneficiary is the ÖKV. In addition, the press spokesperson of the dog association is very close to the ÖVP due to his professional career.
Coalition partner makes a strong case
Faika El-Nagashi of the Greens says: The ÖVP must decide which path to take – for the health and welfare of dogs and cats or for the profits and interests of the ÖKV. In addition to the Schutzhund Regulation, the ÖVP has also been blocking the planned change in animal protection for months.
And it is hard to believe: here too the ÖKV is pulling the strings. A club that apparently wants to do politics and write laws, thanks to its strong bond with the ÖVP. And this despite the fact that more than 400,000 people have signed the animal protection petition. And being against animal protection could cost Karl Nehammer a lot of votes!
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.
