Saalfelden

Pinzgau cat drama with accusation against authorities

Beatrice Caba from Pinzgauer Tiernest has been a voice for animals for many years: she now wants to stop cat suffering in Saalfelden.

(Bild: Markus Tschepp/MARKUS TSCHEPP)

Animal rights activists draw attention to neglected cats in Saalfelden. The case has been going on for months, but nothing has happened so far. The woman is still allowed to keep animals. 

The case is now extensive: an elderly lady from Saalfelden who lives alone keeps up to 30 shy and neglected cats under questionable hygienic conditions, according to reports. Several charges have already been filed against the pet owner, who is said to be mentally ill and suffering from paranoia. But little has happened in almost two years.

Animals neglected and frightened
The woman has already received several visits from the official vet. She is still allowed to keep the furry friends. Only one blind kitten was taken away from the owner by the authorities. She is facing eviction from her rented apartment. An adult representative is also involved. But the proceedings have been dragging on for months. "The authorities must take action here. They are deliberately accepting animal suffering," Beatrice Caba from Pinzgauer Tiernest raises the alarm and doesn't understand why no ban is imposed.

Josef Schwaiger, the provincial councillor responsible, says that there is no violation of the Salzburg Animal Protection Act. The woman with a difficult background responds to suggestions for improvement, according to the Veterinary Directorate.