Möglichkeiten und Probleme beim Vollzug tierschutzrechtlicher ...
Möglichkeiten und Probleme beim Vollzug tierschutzrechtlicher ...
Möglichkeiten und Probleme beim Vollzug tierschutzrechtlicher ...
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8. SUMMARY<br />
Martina Kuhtz<br />
Possibilities and problems with the execution of the Animal Protection Legislation<br />
Details, relating to the execution of the Animal Protection Legislation, of German Veterinary<br />
Offices were analyzed. Provisions in each of the Federal States were examined with the purpose<br />
of determining which were of benefit and which were a hindrance to Veterinary Officers<br />
carrying out their duties.<br />
The analysis concentrated on the staff situation and the structure of the Offices. Additionally,<br />
offences against the Animal Protection Legislation were evaluated with the regard to the concerned<br />
animal species and the measures taken against the offender.<br />
The Animal Welfare Officials of the Ministries of ten Federal States agreed to approve this<br />
study. A questionnaire was prepared which was sent to 347 Veterinary Offices. 155 Veterinary<br />
Officers answered, 25 others were interviewed, so in total 180 questionnaires could be evaluated.<br />
On average, three Veterinarians worked at one Veterinary Office. They spent aro<strong>und</strong> 20% of<br />
their work time for animal protection matters. Obviously some of the Veterinary Offices are<br />
<strong>und</strong>erstaffed, because 8% of the Veterinarians did not inspect animal keepings according to<br />
Art. 16 of the Animal Protection Law. In 53% of the Veterinary Offices the Veterinarians are<br />
also empowered to execute. It was considered that the restriction of working on a consultant<br />
basis only is prejudical and it was agreed by 126 Veterinary Officers, that means by 70%, that<br />
all Veterinary Offices should have executive power.<br />
The Veterinarians were asked which problems with the execution of the Animal Protection<br />
Law were most imortant within the catchment area of their Veterinary Office.<br />
Art. 16a of the Animal Protection Law was considered most often, that means by 76 Veterinary<br />
Officers (42%) to be difficult to realize. It was demanded to change the Law accordingly,<br />
but it also appeared necessary to clarify who would assume the costs incurred, if the owner of<br />
the animal was not able to pay.<br />
Three other problematic topics, which were payed special attention, were circusses, the cooperation<br />
with animal welfare organizations and the handling of dangerous dogs. It became evident<br />
that most Veterinary Offices are already in good contact with the local animal welfare<br />
organizations, which reduces the animal welfare related case load of the Veterinary Officers.<br />
13,997 cases were stated by 159 Veterinary Officers, which refered mostly - that means in<br />
79% - to pets. The offences concerned mainly the keeping of the animals.<br />
The results gained by this study as well as possible improvements were discussed with the<br />
Animal Welfare Officials of the ten Federal States.