The case caused a national shock: a couple allegedly left their two four-legged friends alone in their car in the blazing sun in Wels on April 26. The dogs died of heat stroke. However, their owners were able to avoid legal proceedings. Animal rights activists sharply criticized the decision.
A Hungarian couple is said to have left their two four-legged friends – a Belgian shepherd and a black greyhound – alone and uncared for in their car in Wels on April 26. While they were away, the VW station wagon was exposed to the scorching sun and both animals were locked in a very small transport crate.
Accused of animal cruelty
The couple’s thoughtlessness and recklessness had fatal consequences: the dogs became dehydrated and died of sunstroke. Witnesses alerted the police, and the Wels public prosecutor’s office charged the 20-year-old and his partner (26) with animal abuse (Article 222, paragraph 1). Sentence: two years.
Dog club recommended crates
The Hungarians were supposed to appear in court on Thursday, but they did not. The couple was offered a diversionary arrangement after their Viennese lawyer pointed out that their clients had inquired about the small crates at a Hungarian dog club in advance and had recommended this size for the journey. According to statistics, dogs in such small transport crates are better protected in traffic accidents than in large ones.
Fine instead of trial
The prosecutor has agreed to a diversionary arrangement in the form of a fine. The man must pay 470 euros and the woman 240 euros. If both accept the offer, there will be no conviction for them.
Animal rights activists were furious
“A fatal signal,” criticizes Jürgen Stadler from Pfotenhilfe. The punishment is hardly more deterrent than fines for speeding or using the phone while driving. Stadler: “The signal that the judiciary is sending: let your animals continue to die slowly and painfully in the car. The most important thing is that we get this annoying case off the table. We are not interested in the two-year prison sentence. They are only animals after all.”
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.
