Ultimately, a tip from the animal corner “Krone” put the Hungarian police on the right track. Brigitta M. is considered the suspected head of a cross-border puppy mafia. She fled to her native Austria after a major raid – we reported – on her Hungarian ‘horror farms’.
The ‘Krone’ tracked down the alleged fraudster and animal torturer in Styria on Tuesday, providing the authorities in Hungary with crucial information.
The arrest warrant was subsequently extended to the entire EU, allowing local authorities to intervene. That same evening the police came to visit Brigitta M.. But anyone hoping that a valid arrest warrant also means enforcement will now be disappointed.
The arrest warrant must be checked first
The Graz Public Prosecutor’s Office still has to investigate whether the wanted person can be arrested at all and whether she should be extradited to Hungary. She is currently undergoing medical treatment and is therefore avoiding further investigation for the time being.
In addition to the terrible animal suffering that took place in her ‘reproduction station’ – there can no longer be any question of breeding here – Mrs M. has also come into conflict with the law in this country.
In December 2023, a criminal complaint was filed against the woman by the Eisenstadt Public Prosecutor’s Office. Because she did not appear at the main hearing at the regional court, a search was initiated at the request of the APA.
Serious commercial fraud
The Eisenstadt Regional Court has charged her with serious commercial fraud in a total of 53 cases, the prosecutor’s office said. In 49 cases, the person sought allegedly provided false information about the health of the puppies and in four cases claimed to be purebred. It is still unclear whether other victims will come forward and file a complaint.
The Brigitta M. case develops into a true crime thriller that attracts the attention not only of animal lovers. Many readers are disturbed by the images shown of the ‘breeding stations’ and wonder how a human being can be capable of such cruelty. The animal corner “Krone” is also looking for answers and is in contact with Brigitta M. via text message.
“We are giving Ms. M. the opportunity to express her point of view. It can also be a healing process if you can speak out about accusations or accusations,” Tierecke boss Maggie Entenfellner said in a message to the suspect. Brigitta M. asked for time to think about it.
The puppy mafia system
As dramatic as this case is, it is just the tip of an iceberg. “We estimate the trade in dogs from unknown or questionable sources in Austria at 38 million euros,” says “Four Paws” expert Julia Eppinger, who is intensively involved in this problem.
This once again shows how unsuspecting many people act when buying dogs. The point has now been reached where you as a buyer of a dog from such sources can no longer avoid responsibility.
Anyone who does not conscientiously investigate the origins of his future companion automatically becomes complicit in this great suffering in the ‘breeding stations’.
When will we finally take countermeasures?
The animal corner “Krone” again demands that the law requires more transparency. The puppies and their parents must be fully registered in the pet database so that their origins can be traced.
“Conscientious buyers must be able to check with breeders or authorities whether their future four-legged friend is of harmless origin. Anyone who does not show proper care when purchasing animals should be prosecuted in the same way as the illegal traders, says Maggie Entenfellner combatively!
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.
