Mistakes in pet care, animal suffering, owners being overwhelmed, and the subsequent surrender of animals to shelters often result from a lack of knowledge. Dog owners in Austria must therefore prove their expertise starting July 1; this has long been a requirement for keeping reptiles, amphibians, and certain parrots. In Germany, however, there is no uniform federal regulation. The German Animal Welfare Federation is therefore calling for a mandatory, theoretical certification of competence before acquiring an animal—regardless of the species.
“Pet owners should familiarize themselves with an animal’s needs and behavior, as well as the associated costs, before acquiring it,” explains Lisa Hoth-Zimak, specialist advisor for companion animals at the German Animal Welfare Federation. From the perspective of the German Animal Welfare Federation, basic knowledge of the care, nutrition, behavior, and communication of the respective animal species should be a prerequisite for purchasing or adopting an animal. This knowledge could be taught and tested as part of a theoretical proficiency certificate.
VARYING REGULATIONS ACROSS GERMANY
While Austria relies on a uniform national certificate of competence, Germany has scattered regulations at the state level. For example, in some states, keeping “dangerous animals,” such as venomous snakes, requires a certificate of competence. When it comes to dog ownership, many federal states require a certificate of competence for dogs classified as potentially dangerous based on their breed. The German Animal Welfare Federation criticizes this prejudgment, as a dog’s dangerousness does not depend on its breed. Only in Lower Saxony—and in the future also in Bremen—must all first-time dog owners obtain a so-called “dog handling license,” which includes both a theoretical and a practical exam. However, the German Animal Welfare Association does not consider the practical exam to be sensible due to the high administrative burden it entails. From the animal welfare advocates’ perspective, practical assessments should only be conducted on a targeted basis for dog-owner pairs who have drawn attention to themselves.
EXPERTISE PROTECTS ALL ANIMAL SPECIES
“When it comes to dogs in particular, it’s important for hazard prevention that owners understand their animals’ body language and learn how to interact with them in a way that respects animal welfare. In addition, people should be taught how to recognize reputable breeders, adoption agencies, or dog training schools,” says Hoth-Zimak. Knowledgeable individuals are aware of the problem of the illegal puppy trade online and would not purchase animals on a whim. At the same time, knowledgeable owners can recognize health and behavioral problems in their pets more quickly and seek professional help in a timely manner. Knowledge is not only crucial for dog ownership: According to the German Animal Welfare Federation, one in ten cat owners does not have their cat spayed or neutered—because of preconceptions and a lack of awareness that unneutered outdoor cats are a major cause of suffering among stray cats. Rabbits, guinea pigs, and budgies often suffer in cages that are too small or when kept alone. “The requirement for expertise would prevent suffering and relieve the burden on animal shelters because fewer animals would be abandoned or surrendered,” said Hoth-Zimak.
