Shocking videos: Bite training despite the ban - animal welfare at risk!

Shocking videos: Bite training despite the ban - animal welfare at risk!

In Austria, suspicion of animal cruelty is in the public eye. The Pfotenhilfe association has filed a complaint about ongoing bite training, which continues to be practiced despite a ban that came into force on April 15, 2025. Loud 5min.at In this context, videos were published showing how dogs are deliberately made to bite into human body parts. The spokesman for Pfotenhilfe, Jürgen Stadler, expresses deep horror at the practices shown and warns of the enormous stress to which the animals are exposed.

Although the sharpening of dogs has been a ban since the amendment to the law, the perpetrators deliberately violate this ban. They often operate in secret and take advantage of darkness or heavy rainy weather. Pfotenhilfe's lawyer plans to submit a detailed statement of the facts to the public prosecutor's office. If the suspicion is confirmed, those responsible could face up to two years in prison. In addition, Pfotenhilfe is calling for an increase in penalties for animal cruelty in order to protect the rights of animals.

Legal situation and animal protection law

The current legal situation, which is in line with the new Animal Welfare Act, stipulates that the training of dogs for protection purposes and related activities that include attack training or bite training against humans are strictly prohibited. This can be found in the regulations that are presented in detail on the website of the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection: consumerhealth.gv.at.

In order to promote animal welfare awareness among the public, responsibility lies with both the federal and state governments. The protection of the life and well-being of animals, which are defined in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act, must be guaranteed at all times. It is important that the public is informed and therefore asked for tips to report this abuse.

Call for help

Pfotenhilfe expects a large number of excuses and reinterpretations of the ban by the perpetrators and appeals to the population to be attentive. Any information can help combat illegal practices and provide a better understanding of animal welfare. The issue of animal protection is not only a legal matter, but also concerns the moral responsibility that each individual has towards animals.