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Julia Klöckner: "Animals are not just any commodity"
Photo: Jens Krick / picture alliance / Flashpic
In view of the pet boom in the corona pandemic, Agriculture Minister Julia Klöckner (CDU) wants to provide more prudent advice when buying.
This is to prevent pet owners from returning their favorites later.
"Education is crucial," said Klöckner of the "Rheinische Post".
Sellers in the pet shop played an important role in this.
»If it becomes clear that someone has wrong ideas, advice has to mean advising against it.
That is why I will ensure more expertise here by ordinance: The staff must be trained and receive regular further training. "This is how animal welfare should be improved.
"But animals are not just any kind of commodity that you just buy."
Klöckner also appealed to the responsibility of animal owners.
For many people, animals were important companions and consolation donors in the corona pandemic.
“But animals are not just any kind of commodity that you just buy.
If you want to keep a pet, you have a special responsibility.
You have to be aware of that. "
At least four hours of exercise
In addition, the requirements for keeping dogs are being adapted to new scientific findings, said Klöckner.
“We are tightening the requirements for dog breeding, for example.
A minimum time of four hours for the daily handling of the puppies is then given, for example.
In addition, we generally prohibit dogs from being kept in chains. "
Animal rights activists are warning of a wave of domestic pets being sold after the pandemic.
Klöckner said her ministry had therefore developed a "pet advisor" portal.
»You can check this interactively here.
That way surprises and disappointments can be avoided, ”said the Minister.
The planned rules for the new animal welfare dog ordinance also provide for a ban on dog shows that have "tortured breeding characteristics".
This refers to breeds that suffer hereditary pain or damage.
These include breeds like the pug, which often have breathing problems because their snout was bred to be shorter.
So far, the exhibition ban only applies to dogs whose tails and ears, for example, have been amputated (docked).
kah / dpa / AFP
