German Dachshunds Face Uncertain Future Due to Proposed Animal Protection Law
Germany’s beloved dachshunds, known for their distinctive long bodies and short legs, are facing an uncertain future if proposed changes to an animal protection law are approved, according to the country’s kennel club.
The draft of the bill, published by the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture in February, aims to combat “torture breeding” and regulate the online trade of animals. However, the bill contains requirements that could potentially end the breeding of certain dogs, including dachshunds.
The bill lists various disease characteristics that would be outlawed, potentially leading to a ban on breeding animals with significant size deviations from the “original wolf type,” according to the V.D.H., Germany’s kennel club. This could affect the leg length of dachshunds, as well as other breeds like beagles, Jack Russell terriers, and miniature schnauzers.
Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the V.D.H., expressed concerns about the vague and undefined disease characteristics listed in the draft law. He emphasized the need for a clear and scientific catalog of disease characteristics to prevent the banning of popular and healthy dog breeds.
A spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food clarified that the draft is in an early stage and is likely to be modified by the German parliament. The focus of the bill is on averting breeding endeavors that could cause anguish or distress to animals, rather than targeting specific breeds.
The proposed changes have sparked discussions about Germany’s beloved dachshunds, which have a long history in the country as a national symbol. Breeders like Sandra Karthäuser, who has been breeding rough-haired dachshunds for 13 years, find it incomprehensible that officials are now starting to regulate the breed.
Karthäuser pointed out that there is no evidence that dachshunds are ill due to their exterior, as their unique shape and characteristics were developed for hunting purposes. While certain breed lines may be predisposed to certain conditions, she believes that banning the entire breed is unjustified.
The future of dachshunds and other affected breeds remains uncertain as the proposed changes to the animal protection law continue to be debated. The German parliament will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of the bill.
