According to their own statements, both sides have been working at full speed, but the outcome of the negotiations has been poor so far. Because the two government parties still disagree about the changes in the field of animal protection, the Council of Ministers could not make a decision on the new ‘pet package’ on Wednesday. Is there still a compromise possible?
The Greens and the ÖVP do not have much time left to bring up the long-announced second amendment to animal protection during the current legislature. The long back and forth between the government partners is characterized by false promises, untruths and tactical considerations. Both parties are not on good terms with each other at this point.
The well-being of our pets, but also of farm animals, is important to Austrians. It is incomprehensible that such important issues as torture breeding and the illegal puppy trade become political poker.
Already during a summit meeting in the “Krone” in December, there was a promising design that led to improvements in many areas. For example, the controversial “bite and attack training” of dogs in the private sector should be more strictly regulated and improvements in breeding were also sought.
Much was promised and promised
But the Chancellor’s party has many whisperers and interest representatives for whom this all goes too far and who want to keep their own sheep high and dry. The issue of “fully slatted floors” has been decisive because there is great uncertainty in agriculture about what pig fattening will look like in the future. The ÖVP demands a “softened” pig farming law from the Greens. The animal protection amendment must now serve as a compromise for concessions that have been made a long time ago.
“Is there more protection for dogs and cats just in exchange for long-term suffering for pigs?” criticize animal welfare organizations. For outsiders it is a strange procedure that what has already been agreed within the government is rejected and ends up back in the balance sheet when it comes to other matters.
How can business continue?
As a reminder, the Constitutional Court annulled the transition period for the abolition of fully slatted floors (we reported) and gave the legislature until June 2025 to reinstate this regulation. If the coalition does not reach an agreement now, it would mean serious disadvantages or even the end for many pig farmers – and no one can envision that.
The stakes are high and the governing partners on both sides will not be able to avoid ‘painful’ compromises. According to reports, efforts are being made to find a common path in the short term that will satisfy all parties and also have animal welfare firmly in mind. Stay tuned…
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.
