What needs to change: seven animal protection demands for politicians

We Austrians want there to be no “puppy factories”, that the meat on our plates comes from species-appropriate livestock farming, and that our politicians also keep an eye on the protection of all animals.

To ensure that these do not remain pious wishes, the “Krone” is using its demands on politicians to ensure that at least seven important topics do not slip from the negotiating catalogue.

Mandatory indication of origin in the catering industry has been necessary for a long time. The public also vehemently demands that animal products be labeled regarding how they are stored; Germany is already leading the way.

Every sweater and every wine bottle has a label that provides information about the production location – which is why the corresponding labeling must now finally be found on the menu in the inn. We want to know if our food also comes from Austria! For example, during the election campaign, Andreas Babler (SPÖ) pledged his support for this issue.

The puppy trade is extremely lucrative: approximately 72,000 dogs are purchased in Austria every year. The commercial value of dogs from “unknown sources” in Austria is estimated at 38 million euros. Stricter rules are needed – so that buyers don’t buy a pig in a poke!

Traceable origin
A simple way to prevent illegal trade is to register the animal in the existing pet database before selling it. It must be clear where the animal was born, who the puppy’s breeder is and who the parents are. Animal protection organizations that bring dogs from abroad to Austria would also have to register the animal before passing it on. This way, the path of the four-legged friend would be understandable for the buyer, but also for the authorities!

Beate Meinl-Reisinger (NEOS) gave hope in response to a request from “Krone” in September: “The measures to curb the illegal puppy trade in Austria are completely inadequate. There is an urgent need for more controls and an adjustment of criminal liability when these dogs are publicly offered on the internet and also for acts committed abroad.”

In times of crisis, no politician can be against this. It is incomprehensible that people breed and sell dogs, cats, rabbits or other animals, but do not pay taxes for them. The popular excuse “it’s just a hobby” may no longer apply. Because everyone who practices a hobby does not get any income from it – or do you know such a case?

A breeding company should always be subject to a permit; currently an informal email informing the authorities is sufficient. Meanwhile, the dog breeding organization ÖKV (Austrian Cynologists Association) is acting in a completely incomprehensible manner. “Over-regulation and impractical restrictions weaken the breeding of domestic dogs,” ÖKV President Philipp Ita – who is considered close to the ÖVP – said in a recent broadcast. However, no concrete suggestions or measures are discussed.

There have been calls for an end to fully slatted floors for years. Permanently tying up livestock is also tolerated due to loopholes in the law. Many farmers become financially overwhelmed by the necessary renovations. Financing for good livestock farming – but also for the required labeling in the catering industry and on food – would help farmers to better market their products.
During the election campaign, Andreas Babler (SPÖ) stated that the SPÖ was determined to ensure that there would be no agricultural subsidies for companies that practice animal abuse. To ensure stronger controls, reallocations within agricultural financing must also take place.

The use of dogs on people – even if it is only the so-called protective cover – should be prohibited for private individuals. The smallest training mistakes can have serious consequences for the dog’s behavior. Assistance dogs such as those of the police should be excluded. NEOS faction leader Reisinger also saw it this way and supported this demand from the ‘Krone’.
SPÖ leader Babler kept a low profile and pointed out that Minister Rauch had not issued the relevant regulation. “Such promised regulations regarding working dog sports would support the SPÖ,” Babler said. Now it is the turn of the future Minister of Animal Protection.

The “Krone” is campaigning for a ban on the long-distance transport of live animals to third countries. It’s sad what these transports do to animals! This torture lasts for days – often even weeks – before being slaughtered somewhere in Africa or the East at the end of the journey. Austria exported around 26 million animals in 2022 and imported 22 million in the same period. What’s the point here? There were no statements from the parties on this issue at the time, but this issue should also be high on the agenda of the new government.

Cases of animal abuse are repeatedly uncovered in Austria. Whether on farms, breeders or in cases of “animal hoarding”, dedicated officers are needed to follow up on leads. Unfortunately, the animal corner “Krone” often experiences that due to a lack of staff – but also a lack of interest – the responsible veterinarians act only vaguely.

During the election campaign, NEOS talked about wanting to make government more efficient and modern. Because the jungle of powers between the federal and state governments has once again led to animal welfare failures. The SPÖ would also like to support this. For example, there should be no agricultural financing for companies that commit animal abuse. According to Babler, the punishment offered has not been sufficiently used for relevant violations of the law.

New ministers on the move
So there is plenty to do in this area for our state’s future leaders. There is a lot at stake for all of us in the coming years and our politics must set the course. Animal welfare is often pushed aside when more ‘urgent’ problems need to be solved. But the “Krone” will continue to work to ensure that those who have no voice are not forgotten.