"Cruelty breeding" law

Cruel breeding of pets will be banned

Dubious business with puppies: A central point of contention between NGOs and the Greens on the one hand and the ÖVP on the other.

(Bild: Die Pfotenretter)

"Krone" success: The ÖVP blocked an important passage in the animal protection law already passed with the Greens until the last minute. An agreement was reached almost at the last minute.

The Animal Protection Act was hotly contested. It was passed - but there was one important passage that the Greens absolutely wanted to have included. It concerns the opaque placement of puppies or adult dogs from abroad. "This must be combated decisively. There was an agreement on this with the coalition partner ÖVP," said Johannes Rauch from the Ministry of Social Affairs, who is also responsible for animal welfare.

The agreement was reached at the last minute on Thursday. The passage that provides for the mandatory registration of dogs from abroad was supported by the ÖVP. The Ministry of Social Affairs had previously submitted a corresponding amendment, "which was initially blocked by the ÖVP without giving any reasons. The ÖVP had given its consent several times."

Dubious business with puppies: A central point of contention between NGOs and the Greens on the one hand and the ÖVP on the other.

(Bild: Die Pfotenretter)

The pug is a torturous breed. The animal rights organization Peta warns that the retro pug is not a healthier alternative - because it is susceptible to numerous diseases.

(Bild: Pixabay)

Negotiations continued at full speed until Wednesday night. The first positive signals came just before midnight. For animal rights activists and the Greens, it was always clear that this passage had to be enshrined in law. The "Krone", led by Maggie Entenfellner, had also been fighting for this for months. Politicians and NGOs say that this would not have been possible without their commitment. Now there is great relief.

What is "torture breeding"?

• The term "torture breeding" is used when animals suffer from the traits they have been bred with and are prone to health problems.
• There are torturous breeds in almost every animal species - even pigeons!
• Pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese and Persian cats can suffer from respiratory problems for the rest of their lives due to shortened skulls.
• The breeding of certain coat colors often leads to deafness and blindness.

Illegal trade is hardly curbed
The problem is that without the law, the illegal trade in puppies, for example, would neither be curbed nor manageable. According to experts, this would make it much easier for illegal puppy traders, who often operate under the guise of so-called "hobby breeding", to continue their dubious and animal-hostile business.

Anyone who acquires a dog in this way must expect to be fined in future. However, this increases the risk that these animals will no longer be officially registered, which in turn could result in more untreated and sick four-legged friends. Fortunately, the new law will put a stop to this evil activity.