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Animal welfare alert: 147 animals in the Berlin animal shelter are waiting for a home!
In Berlin, 147 animals were taken into the animal shelter during the summer holidays. Abandoning pets is prohibited by law.
Animal welfare alert: 147 animals in the Berlin animal shelter are waiting for a home!
The Berlin animal shelter took in an alarming 147 animals during the summer holidays, including 79 cats and 26 dogs. Many of these animals find themselves in distress after being abandoned on the streets. This worrying practice is evident in horrifying examples: turtles being left in plastic boxes with no air holes, while rabbits are left in cardboard boxes in supermarket parking lots. Eva Rönspieß, chairwoman of the Animal Welfare Association for Berlin, emphasizes the responsibility of animal owners and points out that abandoning animals is not only morally reprehensible, but also prohibited by law. The Animal Protection Act, which has been in force since 2005, recognizes animals as sentient beings and defines the responsibility of owners. It aims to ensure the welfare of all animals.
Abandoning pets is classified as an administrative offense and can be punished with fines of up to 25,000 euros. This clarifies the legal basis laid down in Section 3 of the Animal Welfare Act. These regulations apply to all animal species, regardless of their size or species. The common reasons for abandonment are often excessive demands, false expectations, allergies and even death of owners. In addition, it is emphasized that the responsibility for the welfare of the animals lies entirely with the owners. Violations not only result in fines, but in serious cases also criminal consequences.
Legal consequences and the protection of animals
The conscious or negligent decision to abandon an animal can constitute a misdemeanor. More serious is the killing of a vertebrate animal without justifiable cause or the infliction of pain, which is considered a criminal offense. The legal penalty ranges from a fine to three years in prison, depending on the individual case and the suffering of the animal. Against this background, it is worrying that animal shelters not only have to serve as a point of contact for animal adoption, but also as places of refuge for animals in need. Therefore, the animal shelter is not a boarding house, but a place where animals are lovingly cared for until they can find a new home.
However, caring for abandoned pets represents an enormous burden. Medical expenses, human resources and financial resources are required to nurse the traumatized animals back to health. Those with a long history often need weeks or even months to be nursed up and ready for placement. In situations where pet owners are overwhelmed, the animal shelter offers counseling days to provide support. There are always better alternatives, such as dropping off at an animal shelter or staying in a boarding kennel instead of abandoning an animal. These institutions generally charge fees, but are willing to waive them in cases of financial hardship.
Call for responsibility
The Berlin animal shelter and numerous animal protection organizations call for responsible animal husbandry. This also implements the legal framework that regulates animal protection in Germany. The Animal Protection Act prohibits not only the abandonment of animals, but also the mistreatment and neglect of animals. It is expected that the legal framework will be further improved with the planned amendment in May 2024. Animal protection organizations are intensively committed to promoting the living conditions of animals and strict compliance with regulations. These joint efforts are intended to ensure that no animal is left behind in need and that every owner is aware of their responsibilities.