Animal welfare Commercial imports of puppies under 15 weeks of age will be banned
The Federal Council has banned commercial imports of puppies under the age of 15 weeks as of the beginning of February. This is intended to curb the irresponsible dog trade from abroad.
20.12.2024, 10:33
SDA
This often takes place via the Internet, where very young dogs are offered and ordered without due consideration, the Federal Council announced on Friday. The new regulation is intended to counteract such online sponsored purchases. From February, animals under 15 weeks of age may only be imported by private owners who collect them themselves from a breeder abroad.
In the livestock sector, shortening the tails of lambs will be banned, among other things. This practice is already prohibited for all other animal species for reasons of animal welfare. A new regulation will also enable the sector to phase out the killing of chicks. This refers to a practice in laying hen breeding in which large numbers of male chicks are killed after hatching as there is no use for them.
The corresponding amendment to the Animal Welfare Ordinance (TSchV) takes account of new procedures that enable early sex determination in the egg. This would allow male eggs to be sorted out before hatching.
Amended provisions will also apply to the keeping and handling of laboratory animals from February, which are intended to improve animal welfare. The obligation to report laboratory animals will also be extended, which, according to the Federal Council, will lead to greater transparency regarding the animals used.
