Animal welfare does not stop at the border – that is why the German Animal Welfare Federation and many of its member associations are committed to helping street animals abroad. The umbrella organization has published a new handbook on how to help street dogs and cats in a sustainable, effective, and animal-friendly way.
"The fate of street animals abroad is touching. Killing stations, sick and starving animals, and reports of “cleansing campaigns” accompany the daily work of both local animal welfare activists and us. The goal must be to enable animals to have a better life and to strengthen animal welfare across national borders," says Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
From the German Animal Welfare Federation's point of view, it is crucial to tackle the causes and improve the situation of animals in the country – by neutering street animals according to the successful principle of “catch, neuter, release”, but also by neutering dogs and cats that have owners, combined with educational work among the population and political cooperation. As long as some countries and regions do not allow neutered stray dogs to be released back into the wild, or where animals are caught, locked up, or even killed, the regulated export of selected dogs can ease the situation in the short term and save lives. “Only dogs that are likely to settle well in a home with humans, have been tested for travel sickness, treated for parasites, and received all important vaccinations should be brought to Germany,” says Lisa Hoth-Zimak, specialist advisor for pets at the German Animal Welfare Federation. Reputable associations comply with all legal requirements and do not place the animals directly in Germany, but through a local animal shelter or foster homes. “It is important that interested parties have not only seen a dog in a photo, but are allowed to get to know it before adoption,” says Hoth-Zimak.
The German Animal Welfare Federation has compiled its expertise in the newly published handbook “Straßentieren im Ausland effektiv helfen” (Effectively helping street animals abroad). This is primarily aimed at animal welfare associations organized within the German Animal Welfare Federation. However, other associations, animal welfare activists who are active in animal welfare abroad, and private individuals who would like to give a dog from abroad a new home will also find valuable information – from local assistance and legal basics to health and behavioral issues relating to animals from animal welfare abroad. Interested parties can order the handbook for ten euros using an order form on the German Animal Welfare Federation website.
Note to editors: We will be happy to send you a PDF of the handbook “Straßentieren im Ausland effektiv helfen” (Effectively helping street animals abroad) if you are interested.
