Animal trade in its sights: How the puppy mafia is endangering Austria's animal welfare!

Animal trade in its sights: How the puppy mafia is endangering Austria's animal welfare!

There is a worrying trend in the illegal puppy trade: a record number of confiscated animals was recorded in Austria last year! A whopping 138 puppies and kittens were rescued from the clutches of unscrupulous traders, a sad result that has alarmed both the customs office and animal welfare organizations. The machinations surrounding the puppy trade are flourishing thanks to the high demand for cheap, often innocent four-legged friends crown reported.

The background is frightening: Many puppies come from so-called breeding stations in southeastern Europe, where the bitches live in catastrophic conditions and repeatedly become pregnant. These pregnant animals are separated from their young animals prematurely and suffer massively from inadequate care. The puppies, which are often sick and inadequately vaccinated, are then sold under the table, often without any checks, which endangers animal welfare. Another example of this practice could be the situation on the border with Germany SN.at describes. Illegal trade is often uncovered here, especially before Christmas.

Exposed machinations and rescues

Although the number of unreported cases of illegal animal sales is unknown, the results show that the German authorities are consistently taking action, especially at border crossings like Walserberg. Animals transported there under often inconspicuous conditions are confiscated and housed in animal shelters. These puppies, usually between five and eight weeks old, must be quarantined until they are medically able to be placed with new families.

The despair of these animals is immeasurable: When they are released from the transport crates, their weak immune systems and lack of social training often become apparent. A circumstance that results in them being disadvantaged not only physically but also emotionally. Many of them are heavily sold as gifts at Christmas time, causing unwanted animal suffering. The challenge remains to make buyers aware that every purchase of a cheap puppy further exacerbates the precarious situation of the parents and perpetuates these untenable conditions.