New draft law aims to prevent the breeding of dogs with skeletal anomalies, including beloved dachshunds
Germany’s national kennel club has sounded the alarm over a proposed draft law that could spell trouble for the country’s iconic dachshunds, known affectionately as sausage dogs. The draft bill, part of the Animal Protection Act, seeks to prohibit the breeding of dogs with skeletal anomalies, a move that could impact breeds prone to spinal issues, such as dachshunds with their characteristic short legs and long backs.
The German Kennel Club (VDH) warns that other popular breeds like German shepherds and schnauzers, as well as beagles like Snoopy, could also be affected by the legislation.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe proposed reform has sparked an outcry among dachshund enthusiasts and breeders. Marion Michelet, chairwoman of the Deutscher Teckelklub Berlin-Brandenburg kennel club, emphasized the cultural significance of the dachshund in Germany and criticized the draft law as exaggerated and targeting breeding as a whole.
The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favourite dogs,” arguing that the reform could lead to the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany. As of now, the petition has garnered over 15,000 signatures.
In response, Germany’s agriculture ministry clarified that the aim of the reform is to prevent “torture breeding” rather than targeting specific breeds like the dachshund. The ministry stressed its commitment to protecting animals from suffering and damage but acknowledged that details of how the regulations would be implemented are still under discussion.
Dachshund breeder Kerstin Schwartz expressed outrage at the proposed reform, highlighting the adherence of her kennel club to longstanding breeding standards. She voiced concerns about the potential impact on breeders and hoped that the ban would not come to fruition.
The fate of Germany’s beloved dachshunds hangs in the balance as discussions surrounding the draft law continue, leaving dog lovers and breeders anxious about the future of their cherished canine companions
