Germany loves its animal roommates: An estimated 26 million dogs and cats live across the country. And of course our bureaucracy doesn’t stop at pets. From dog tax to compulsory registration, there is a suitable administration for everything. And there are signs of a comprehensive change for the benefit of animals. Although the current Animal Welfare Act already prohibits so-called torture breeding, there is often a lack of clear definitions. A new draft law now aims to clarify the legal framework in order to clearly prohibit the targeted breeding of animals with certain characteristics.
The approaching end for torturous breeds
With its forward-folded ears and cute face in a childlike pattern, the Scottish Fold has become a popular fashion breed over the years. It owes its international fame to famous owners such as Claudia Schiffer and Taylor Swift. It is precisely because of the media attention that Taylor Swift’s cat has attracted that more and more people around the world want exactly this breed of cat.
But the little-noticed drama behind the popularity: the folded-eared cat is the most prominent example of torturous breeding. The genetic defect that causes the ears to bend causes cartilage and bone damage throughout the body and causes the animals chronic pain. The cats pay a high price for their supposedly “cute” appearance.
Stricter regulations are now to be introduced to combat such torturous breeds. In June of this year, the EU Parliament voted by a clear majority in favor ofimproved animal welfare legislation for dogs and cats. In future, it will be forbidden, among other things, to deliberately breed animals with painful characteristics. Furthermore, the presentation and marketing of such torturous breeds should be prohibited in order to effectively reduce demand. This would put an end to the uncritical presentation of these cats in the social media.
What else will change
In addition, the nationwide identification and registration obligation (by means of microchipping) for dogs and cats will be promoted. This should make it easier to trace illegal trade and curb uncontrolled breeding. Local authorities are even to be granted the right to impose a castration obligation for cats capable of reproducing and running loose in their area of responsibility.
The Animal Protection Act is currently in the process of being amended, which means that the final negotiations are still pending. The political bodies (trilogue between Parliament, Council and Committee) will meet and adopt the final decision. However, the tendency is clear: there is to be a drastic restriction of torturous breeding of cats.
The German Animal Welfare Association supports this plan: “If you are interested in an animal companion, please never buy a folded-eared cat from a breeder or via the internet so as not to further support the suffering of these creatures.” There are so many other options and great pets waiting for a home.