Pig scandal

Top Graz lawyer now appoints external vet

Pathetic photos were leaked from a Styrian stable

(Bild: VGT)

As reported, we received disturbing pictures from a Styrian pigsty. However, no charges of cruelty to animals have been filed for the time being. According to the Verein gegen Tierfabriken (Association against Animal Factories), this shows in a shocking way "how much animal suffering is already seen as normal". The well-known Graz-based lawyer Gerald Ruhri is also sharply critical of the system.

A pig with a horribly bleeding wound that is already being nibbled on by other pigs; the injured animal has no chance of escaping due to the confined space. An animal with a huge lump on its neck. Wounds on the ears, scratches all over the body. These photos from a Styrian barn that keeps thousands of animals under one roof, which were leaked to the Association Against Animal Factories, shocked the general public. The farm, which had been awarded the AMA seal of approval, was initially withdrawn. 

(Bild: VGT)

(Bild: vgt)

(Bild: VGT)

(Bild: VGT)

However, it should not be long before it is allowed to use it again. Following an unannounced inspection (which was, of course, foreseeable), the AMA stated that some injured animals had been correctly separated in sick pens. The pig with the catastrophic giant wound was treated the day after the photos were taken. Spokeswoman Kristijana Lastro: "We are now waiting to see what the authorities come up with."

Probably not much. Manfred Walch, district governor of Leibnitz, apparently already knows the future. According to the APA, he summarizes as an expert that "on the whole, not much has come out". Only deficiencies in the area of employment were identified. In view of the shocking wounds, the huge tumor (which cannot develop overnight) and the many scratches, this seems to be a mockery of the animals.

The VGT, David Richter in front, at a protest event in Graz on Wednesday

(Bild: Christa Blümel)

For the time being, there are no charges of cruelty to animals, the official veterinarians have not found any deficiencies according to the Animal Welfare Act. Scratch wounds are also normal and are the result of the "scuffle that can be attributed to the group", says Simone Schmiedtbauer, provincial councillor for agriculture. "Which means nothing other than that we now regard animal suffering as normal," says David Richter from the VGT, stunned. And adds: "And what about cutting off the tails, which is not allowed?" He accuses: Here the authority is controlling itself and has given itself a good report card. The photos, see above, speak a different language.

Gerald Ruhri

(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The well-known Graz lawyer Gerald Ruhri, who fights for animal welfare, has a full program in view of the findings: "In general: How should official veterinarians admit to abuses in areas that they themselves are responsible for monitoring? The responsible state politician would have to immediately file charges against his own people for abuse of office. In any case, this would have to be investigated by an independent commission that has no interests of its own!"

As reported, he has the AMA and its guarantee promises investigated, but goes one step further: "I have asked an independent vet to assess the animals' wounds based on the photos and to say how long it takes for them to develop. It certainly can't happen overnight."

In the meantime, accusations have been made against the investigators. Who knows whether the photos are even identical? Discrediting can also have a system.