Measures include:
The new law is expected to come into force early in 2021.
- breeders may care for a maximum of three bitches with puppies at any one time
- breeders are required to interact actively with the puppies for at least four hours every day
- a ban on the exhibition (dog shows) of dogs with exaggerated physical features which negatively affect welfare. The ban is intended to remove the incentive for breeding dogs with unhealthy traits and decrease the demand for such dogs. Minister Julia Klockner says, 'Animals are not there to fulfil the questionable aesthetic desires of their owners. They are not mascots. If breeding prevents any behaviour that is appropriate for the species, it is cruelty to animals.'
- Chaining dogs is banned
- Owners must walk their dogs at least twice a day for a total of at least an hour. Dogs should not be left alone all day
The new law is expected to come into force early in 2021.
