Customs raises the alarm: Record for smuggled animals in Austria!

Customs raises the alarm: Record for smuggled animals in Austria!

In an alarming trend, Austrian customs has determined a drastic increase in the illegal smuggling of animals. In 2024, a total of 138 cases of smuggled cats and dogs were registered, a worrying increase compared to the 118 cases of the previous year, as 5min.at . The majority of smuggling, namely 124, occurred on classic land paths, while 14 animals were intercepted at Vienna Airport. Mainly it is unscrupulous dealers who make profit with the animals, often under catastrophic conditions. A terrifying aspect is that the majority of the smuggled animals come from Southeast Europe and are often affected by very young animals.

Draconian penalties for cruelty to animals

The trade with these animals is subject to strict controls that should ensure that the animals are sufficiently medically cared for, especially with regard to vaccination protection against rabies. If the necessary health documents are missing, the border veterinary service intervention, which can lead to quarantine or even the decrease in animals. In 2024, animals were released from the clutches of smugglers in 67 cases, which are then brought to animal welfare homes in order to be medically looked after and possibly convey how noe.orf.at In the event of serious violations, the smugglers face high punishments: the fines can be up to 15,000 euros, which illustrates the urgency of combating these criminal machinations.

Finance Minister Gunter Mayr expressed his horror about the unscrupulous practices of the animal traders and emphasized the crucial role of customs in animal welfare. The fates of the saved animals are a tragic memory of the need for such measures to protect against abuse and suffering.