The 45-year-old was sentenced on Monday to two years in prison, of which only eight months were unconditional. Five months’ imprisonment will also be deducted; the verdict is not yet final. At the end of the trial, animal rights activists expressed outrage at what they considered too lenient a sentence.
The police officers saw horrific conditions in a house in Ansfelden on September 1, 2023. In the basement of the old building, 44 extremely emaciated dogs grew up in extremely dirty and far too small cages in complete darkness. The animals lying in their own feces were covered in bite wounds and scars and sometimes suffered from diseases and parasites. The smell was beastly. “You can’t imagine what we found here,” a shocked police officer warned the journalist-prosecutor.
Animal welfare organizations were called in to help bring the tortured, terrified creatures from the dark dungeon to safety. Only three dogs could be found dead. Three others had already been taken from the owner in advance – a 45-year-old unemployed man who still had a suspended sentence outstanding after a conviction in Wels for violating the Nazi Prohibition Act.
Data carriers showing the four-legged friends during dog fights have been seized. But the police discovered other incriminating material. Including five kilos of amphetamine (sale value 75,000 euros), cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy.
Numerous firearms such as a submachine gun with silencer, assault rifles, pump-action rifles. In addition, counterfeit 20 euro notes were found, as well as counterfeit license plates, driving licenses and documents.
On Monday, the 45-year-old had to appear before a single judge in the Linz regional court. He refused to make a statement to the police. “My client pleads completely guilty,” emphasizes lawyer Gernot Weiß. “Because of the overwhelming evidence,” prosecutor Lukas Starl speculated.
He called for the withdrawal of the 24-month prison sentence, which at the time had only been imposed conditionally by the LG Wels court: “This is one of the most extensive cases of animal cruelty in Upper Austria. The suspect has also armed himself to the teeth at home.”
The judge’s sentence, which is not yet legally binding: 24 months in prison, eight of which are unconditional. Five months’ imprisonment will be deducted from the penalty amount. The suspect accepted the verdict, the public prosecutor gave no explanation.
“The man will be released in three months at the latest. “This verdict is a huge disappointment,” criticizes Jürgen Stadler of Pfotenhilfe.
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.
