Contact point for abandoned animals

The animal shelters are overcrowded with dogs and cats that people give up for various reasons. Gut Aiderbichl is increasingly being contacted in the case of confiscated or abandoned animals.

When animals are abandoned in the forest or by the road, we always ask ourselves why people can commit such an act in the first place. Is it desperation, excessive demands with the care and keeping of the animal or perhaps the late realisation of the animal owner that, regardless of whether it is a white mouse or a dog, from the moment of purchase they have assumed responsibility for their fellow creature in every respect? How can one morally justify the abandonment or mistreatment of animals?

A few weeks ago, walkers found six abandoned teddy rabbits in a wooded area, four of which were only one month old. What was the owner’s motive for abandoning them in the forest? We will never know.

Mary and Gandalf are about three years old and the four babies Blümchen, Möhrchen, Polly and Bisquit are two months old each. Teddy rabbits are not made to live in the forest, so they would not have survived if the little rabbit family had not been discovered.
The cuddly four-legged friends feel very comfortable in the rabbit house because they have the necessary warmth, the right food and care here. Their hutch is always clean and the Aiderbichler animal carers have lively conversations with the quiet rabbits. The fluffy cuddly animals love to be stroked and caressed.

We are hoping for animal-loving people who have always wanted a teddy rabbit and are convinced that the rescued rabbits will quickly “hop” into your heart and conquer it. Please also remember that rabbits want a partner and are not made for a single life.

– Gandhi, Mahatma

The legal interpretation of animal welfare

Until 31 December 2004, animal welfare was a matter for the federal states in terms of legislation and enforcement. There were 10 different provincial animal protection laws in Austria (Salzburg had 2 animal protection laws). The very different provisions in the individual provinces fuelled the desire for a uniform law. After a petition for a referendum in 1996 with around 500,000 signatures, the National Council committed to a nationwide regulation in 2003. In 2005, the nationwide animal protection law came into force.Standardised provisions now apply in all federal states.The aim of the Animal Welfare Act is to protect the life and well-being of animals. This concerns the animal itself, regardless of whether it is currently in the care of humans or not. Welfare is deemed to exist if the animal does not suffer pain, suffering, harm or severe fear. The federal government, federal states and municipalities are obliged to raise public awareness of animal welfare, especially among young people, and to deepen this understanding. (Source: BM für Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz, Thema: Tierschutz).

Written by: Gisela Pschenitschnig, Gut Aiderbichl