A bill has been introduced in Germany that would ban the breeding of dogs with “skeletal abnormalities.” It raises a lot of controversy among dachshund lovers. A petition against the bill, created by a cynological organization, has already collected over 15,000 signatures.
The draft law, which was published in February this year, is currently under consideration by the authorities in Germany. It is to be part of the Animal Protection Act. Its aim is to strengthen existing regulations on so-called “torture breeding”, i.e. breeding animals with genetic defects, the German government informed. The document states that the law may prohibit the breeding of dog breeds with “skeletal system abnormalities”, such as spine defects. Such ailments occur especially in dogs with short legs and a long back.
Dachshunds are a symbol of Germany
Breeders fear that if the new law comes into force, the reproduction of breeds susceptible to particular health problems, such as spine disorders observed in dachshunds, may be banned. The German Kennel Club says a possible ban could also cover other popular breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Schnauzer or Beagle, and would leave too much room for interpretation when determining what constitutes a genetic defect.
– Dachshunds are part of Germany's cultural heritage, Marion Michelet, president of the Deutscher Teckelklub Berlin-Brandenburg breeding club and owner of a dachshund named Pepper, told CNN on Wednesday. In her opinion, “the bill goes too far and is aimed at breeding as such.” He is afraid that “skeletal abnormalities” could be interpreted as a ban on breeding any breeds that differ significantly in size from wolves – the ancestors of modern dogs.
The petition was signed by over 15,000 people
The German Kennel Club has launched a petition to save “favorite dog breeds”, arguing that the reform would leave too much room for interpretation in determining what constitutes a genetic defect and what does not. The petition had been signed by over 15,000 people by Wednesday.
On its website, the kennel club wrote that “many of the proposed changes, such as regulating the online pet trade or taking action against the illegal puppy trade, make sense.” “However, the Animal Protection Act contains requirements that could mean the end of many dog breeds in Germany,” he added.
The German Ministry of Agriculture denied that the new bill would mean a ban on breeding certain breeds, including dachshunds.
– We are not seeking to ban dachshunds, a spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture told CNN. – What we are striving for with this reform is a ban on breeding in torture – he added. The ministry said the new regulation aims to ban breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to animals. – We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering and damage – said the minister, adding that the details of the functioning of the new regulations are still under discussion.
Dachshundstock.adobe.com
Dachshunds are the favorites of famous people
Dachshunds were the favorites of many important figures. Napoleon Bonaparte had several dachshunds, and the last German emperor, Wilhelm II, even built a tombstone for his favorite dog, Erdmann.
The famous painter Pablo Picasso was also a fan of dachshunds. He was even photographed with his pet Lump.
Main photo source: stock.adobe.com