In recent years, animals are often purchased over the internet, including delivery. The decisive factor here is usually the tempting low price for a pedigree animal, the quick availability, or the desire to "rescue animals from other countries".

It is often unclear where exactly the animals come from, what the breeding conditions are like on site, and the transport conditions, and ultimately what health condition the animals are in. "I still remember a case where several boxes with kitten puppies were hidden in a transporter between suitcases, food, and blankets. All animals were too young, not vaccinated, and had to be treated by a veterinarian. They had already been traveling from Romania for over nine hours without food and water. These animals had been ordered by buyers from Austria and the rest of Europe," says official veterinarian Susanne Kerbl and adds: "People are not aware that buying over the internet promotes breeding under unknown, often cruel conditions. The risk of introducing dangerous diseases (such as rabies or parvovirus) to Austria is high.”

Information Focus on the Topic of Illegal Puppy Trade on the Internet

The City of Vienna - Veterinary Office and Animal Protection has therefore also set an information focus on the topic of illegal puppy trade on the internet to contribute to raising awareness among adults and children.

In parallel, consistent official controls with strict penalties took place, which are intended to make the illegal trade in pets unattractive. Dealers must expect high fines, and in addition, the accommodation costs in the animal shelter must be paid. Together with the Vienna police, 60 focus controls were carried out. These took place, for example, at bus stations or on arterial roads and increased the pressure on illegal dealers. In total, among other things, 113 dogs and 23 cats were discovered, which were illegally brought to Austria without rabies vaccination and papers from neighboring countries. These animals are seized and placed in quarantine at the expense of the pet owners. If it is a case of illegal imports from third countries, the animals must be exported from the EU again after a border veterinary inspection. Additionally, several cases were reported to the financial authority, which initiated investigations for financial fraud, often also coupled with social benefits fraud.

In the latest animal protection law amendment, the purchase of illegally traded animals has now also been criminalized. In the future, buyers of illegally traded animals in Vienna will also be reported and must expect fines of up to 3,750 euros.

(Red)

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