Petition to Protect Dachshunds and Other Breeds Rises Against German Legislation

As of Wednesday, a campaign initiated by a canine organization in Germany has garnered over 15,000 signatures to "save the dachshunds". This movement is in response to proposed legislation aimed at banning the breeding of dogs with "skeletal abnormalities", a category that potentially includes breeds such as dachshunds, German Shepherds, and Schnauzers.

Breeders are voicing concerns that enacting these new regulations could result in prohibiting reproducing breeds that are especially susceptible to health issues. Dachshunds, for instance, are prone to spinal disorders. However, they are not the only breed at risk. The German Kennel Club has pointed out that the ban would also impact other beloved breeds, including the German Shepherd, Schnauzer, and Beagle. The club further stresses that the proposed law could allow excessive discretion in deciding what constitutes a genetic defect.

In a discussion with CNN, Marion Michelet, the chairwoman of the Berlin-based Dachshund Breeders' Association, Deutscher Teckelklub Berlin-Brandenburg, remarked that "the dachshund is an integral part of Germany's cultural heritage". Michelet aired concerns that "the bill is overreaching and targets breeding activities in general." She also worries that "skeletal abnormalities" might be misinterpreted, potentially leading to a ban on breeding any dog breed that significantly deviates in size from their wolf ancestors.

The German Ministry of Agriculture has clarified that the bill's objective is not the outright ban on dachshund breeding but rather the cessation of breeding practices that cause prolonged animal suffering.

"Our goal is to rigorously safeguard animals against pain and suffering," said a spokesperson for the ministry. They also mentioned that the finer details of the new regulations are still being deliberated.

Source: PAP, WP Wiadomości