Animal rights activists welcome the partly stricter laws, but expected politicians to make bigger decisions. But every step forward, no matter how small, is an improvement in the living conditions of our animals. However, the opportunity to become an absolute model country when it comes to the puppy trade, torture breeding, etc. was not taken advantage of.
There are many building blocks in the current animal protection law: dogs deliberately bred to be sick, illegal puppy dealers disguised as ‘hobby breeders’ or even the effectively prohibited act of shooting dogs on private property, which fortunately can be practiced in many places without any issues.
The animal corner “Krone” regularly highlights particularly egregious cases from these areas and thus provides social enlightenment. But there are people who don’t teach and consistently close their eyes and ears to these topics.
Politics is necessary
Here it is the legislator’s job to provide clear guidelines and to give animal welfare – it is also a state goal in our constitution – the necessary priority. Since the National Council resolution in December 2021, there has been a push for improvements to the Animal Protection Act, and with the Greens currently in government, the opportunities have never been better.
The regulations must first be made final
The federal government’s animal protection package, now negotiated after long negotiations, includes important first steps that could guarantee a better life for pets and wild animals and has long been campaigned vigorously for by animal rights activists. However, the necessary regulations with all the details for implementation have not yet been finalized and are currently being finalized by the government.
But it appears that the improvements that are easiest to implement, such as mandatory microchipping and registration of all cats or imported animals from animal welfare centers abroad, are currently not regulated in the regulations, despite commitments.
It was also not possible to take the number of breeding animals into account when determining whether or not a permit is required for breeding. Now this is classified solely by litters sold, and is no longer a “hobby” until the second litter for dogs and the third for cats. This also applies to breeding clubs!
Illegal trade is hardly curbed
But this makes it difficult for official veterinarians to monitor how many puppies are actually sold. This makes it much easier for illegal puppy traders, who often operate under the guise of so-called ‘hobby breeding’, to continue their lucrative activities. But something urgently needs to be done here!
The buyer commits a criminal offense
Anyone who buys a dog from such dubious sources risks a fine in the future. But this increases the risk that these animals are no longer officially reported, which can result in more untreated and sick four-legged friends.
The torture breeding committee is watching closely
A lot is changing for lovers of particularly exotic-looking animals, who sometimes suffer from serious health problems because of their appearance. A specially established and independent committee of veterinarians will in the future check whether pugs, bulldogs and the like meet the physical requirements and are approved for breeding.
Lip service
As before, the ban on the participation of such animals in exhibitions is also included. Dog umbrella association boss (ÖKV) Philipp Ita said in a hastily written statement that this requirement is already being put into practice at ÖKV events. The fact that relevant reports of breeding torture occur again and again in these very events (we have reported) is being swept under the rug.
Dog protection instead of protection dogs
“Protection dog training”, which has again and rightly come under criticism, is also being tackled more strictly. The regulations on this should be available in the coming days. Only from the age of twelve months and after a positive temperament and suitability examination, can the dog accompany its owner to the training room. Everyone involved (helpers, judges, dog owners) must be tested and the owner must also demonstrate an impeccable reputation.
But that also means a compromise, because this form of training was actually already prohibited, but sports and competitions remained unpunished everywhere. The controls here are so far more toothless than those of the protagonists, what that will look like in the future is unclear.
Dog knowledge as a mandatory exercise
However, in general, all dog owners should be made more responsible and thus improve the coexistence between humans and animals. For the first time, a certificate of competence (four hours of theory) is being introduced nationally, which must be completed before purchasing your four-legged friend. In the first year there are also two compulsory hours at dog school – that is probably the absolute minimum.
Decision only in plenary meeting
But it’s not all completely settled yet. Many parts of the amendment refer to regulations from the responsible federal minister, which are not yet known and are still being prepared. The animal protection package therefore contains some ‘declarations of intent’, the content of which has not yet been precisely defined, so-called authorizations to issue regulations.
“From an animal protection perspective, the law cannot be conclusively assessed without knowledge of these regulations. Especially when it comes to the issue of torture breeding, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the composition of the newly established committee, planned evaluations and deadlines for decisions on submitted applications.
The wording that decisions on the appropriateness of breeding programs must be made within a ‘reasonable period of time’ leaves a lot of time, which is, however, not appropriate given the suffering of the animals affected by cruel breeding,” said Viennese Animal Protection Ombudsman Eva Persy. off for the time being.
Eva Rosenberg, country director of ‘Four Paws’, is also cautiously optimistic: ‘We are happy with the successes in the field of animal protection that have been decided, but we must say very clearly that the originally strong draft resolution has been enormously weakened or, in some cases not implemented at all. The unspeakable blockade on the part of the ÖVP has prevented comprehensive progress and is becoming alarmingly clear, including in the area of cruel pet breeding:
For example, the import ban on animals that have been victims of torture should be limited to only ‘outwardly recognizable’ characteristics. This is also a deterioration of the current legal situation and is worrying because there are a number of serious breeding traits that are not visible from the outside – such as heart defects or epilepsy!
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.
