There has been an acute shortage of space in Upper Austria’s animal shelters for a long time – not least because of the recent major animal relocations by the authorities. Despite a lack of capacity, the homes usually accommodate the four-legged friends. These will now be gradually expanded, currently for example in Linz.
Almost every day, representatives of the authorities contact Pfotenhilfe Lochen about dogs that need to be seized urgently and ask for admission. However, when it comes to dogs, the animal shelter has long been bursting at the seams. Recently, Paw Aid took in a male husky who was kept in a dark room and was completely inadequate. “We agreed because we felt sorry for the animal. But if you go further than you can every time, nothing will ever change,” says Pfotenhilfe employee Jürgen Stadler.
Major acceptances in Ansfelden and Gilgenberg
When it comes to found or seized ‘authority animals’ – especially dogs – the state of Upper Austria has long been faced with a huge space problem. How tense the situation is became clear in September when 44 tortured dogs were rescued from a torture cell in Ansfelden. Shelters had to be organized in other states for the majority of the seized four-legged friends.
Previously, the removal of 55 animals from a cruel farm in Gilgenberg posed a huge challenge, especially for Pfotenhilfe. “We had to build two new dog houses and rent rooms for cats.” The situation is now so tense that animal owners are taking newly acquired dogs home.
“Expansion of resources is necessary”
State Councilor for Animal Protection Michael Lindner (SPÖ) knows the problem: “I am aware that animal shelters are already reaching their capacity limits. An expansion of resources is necessary.” He has therefore ordered development planning that will allow for the expansion of existing capabilities.”
On Monday he was able to announce the first measure: the Linz animal shelter will receive a 300,000 euro subsidy from the state to build a new dog quarantine station. During the government meeting, the first tranche of 100,000 euros for this year was released.
Source: Krone
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