Germany Considers Ban on Breeding Dogs with “Skeletal Anomalies” such as Dachshunds

Germany’s Beloved Dachshunds Under Threat as New Law Seeks to Ban Breeding of Dogs with Skeletal Anomalies

Germany’s national kennel club has raised concerns over a new draft law that aims to prohibit the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies,” including the popular dachshund breed. The draft bill, part of the Animal Protection Act, is currently under consideration by authorities and is intended to address issues related to “torture breeding.”

The German government’s proposal could impact breeds prone to specific health problems, such as the dachshund’s frequent spinal issues due to their short legs and long backs. Other favorite breeds like the German shepherd and schnauzer could also be affected by the new regulations.

Dachshund enthusiasts and breeders have expressed outrage over the proposed reform, with some arguing that it could threaten the cultural heritage of the breed. Marion Michelet, chairwoman of the Deutscher Teckelklub Berlin-Brandenburg kennel club, emphasized the importance of preserving the dachshund, stating that the breed is not synonymous with “torture breeding” simply because of its physical characteristics.

The German Kennel Club has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs,” citing concerns about the potential impact of the new law on healthy dog breeds in the country. As of now, the petition has garnered over 15,000 signatures, highlighting the widespread opposition to the proposed breeding restrictions.

While the German agriculture ministry has clarified that the draft bill is not intended to ban specific breeds like the dachshund, but rather to prevent breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to animals, breeders like Kerstin Schwartz remain concerned about the potential implications of the new regulations. Schwartz, who owns 27 dachshunds, emphasized the importance of maintaining traditional breeding standards and expressed hope that the proposed ban would not come to fruition.

As discussions continue on the details of the new regulations, the future of Germany’s beloved dachshunds and other affected breeds remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.