Planned rule changes for dog and exotic animal owners 

Austria's government has recently proposed a comprehensive "animal welfare package" aimed at enhancing the protection and well-being of animals in the country.

One of the key aspects of this legislative package is the tightening of the ban on "torture breeding" (Qualzucht). The government will establish a scientific commission to define the specific characteristics of banned breeds and examine the breeding programs of various associations. This will enable the authorities to take appropriate action against those involved in breeding animals by means of cruel practices. Additionally, there will be explicit restrictions on exhibiting and advertising animals with traits resulting from "torture breeding".

To ensure the proper training and behaviour of protected dog breeds, the package mandates that both the animals and their trainers must pass certain tests. Biting or attack training will be strictly regulated, except for federal service dogs like police dogs. Guard dogs, on the other hand, will be required to undergo a mandatory character test and obtain a veterinary certificate. These tests will be conducted on-site by certified examiners at designated sites.

Furthermore, the package emphasises the importance of responsible ownership by requiring dog owners to provide a criminal record and ensuring that all individuals involved in the training of animals hold proper certifications.

In an effort to address the rising popularity of owning "exotic wild animals", the government will introduce a 4-hour certificate of competence for individuals interested in keeping amphibians, reptiles and parrots.

With these new regulations, Austria aims to set higher standards for the protection and welfare of pets and domestic animals. The government's commitment to animal welfare is reflected in the comprehensive nature of this legislative package, which covers a wide range of issues and promotes responsible ownership and training practices.