Author: Alena Thielert
Proofreader: Carla Steffen
Some people want a puppy from a breeder with a documented pedigree and papers. A young dog that is well socialized, less susceptible to disease and has not yet experienced anything bad.
But here a few points must be taken into account: Classic breeding follows strict guidelines (1), whereby animals quickly fall outside the grid. If the desired color is missed by a few shades, the pedigree animal becomes a disposable product and, in the worst case, ends up as animal feed. But does being "too light" or "too dark" make an animal less lovable?
Cruel breeding is also an alarming term. Flat noses that barely allow air to get through (2); short tails that no longer allow for typical dog communication; bulging eyes and crooked legs - breeding is often about appearance and, of course, profit, not the welfare of the animal. Some forms of breeding even mean physical harm to the animals: Pugs, for example, quickly suffer from shortness of breath due to their flat snouts (3). Color variants such as Blue Line or Merle are associated with such a strong genetic mutation that diseases are not uncommon: deafness and small eyes or even blindness are common in Merle dogs (4), while dogs with the Blue Line look often suffer from skin diseases that are incurable (5). And all this despite the fact that cruel breeding is prohibited under Section 11b of the Animal Welfare Act. But vague wording, a lack of capacity in the authorities and a lack of follow-up allow these breeding practices that violate animal welfare (6).
As animal-loving dog owners, we have the power to decide which animal we choose and which we turn away from. Here, too, demand regulates supply.
Most dog owners have probably heard of the illegal puppy trade (7): dogs are bred in Eastern Europe under catastrophic conditions and offered for sale on online portals - cute puppies from alleged hobby breeding. But in reality, these are dog mothers who have been degraded to birthing machines and have to produce one litter after another lying in their own excrement in cramped cages. Dog-friendly food and medical care? None of that! When they are no longer "good enough", they are disposed of... The male dogs, on the other hand, are pumped full of hormones so that they can constantly mate under the influence of violence such as electric shocks or kicks (8).
And the puppies are born much too early ( usually after two to four weeks (8)
separated from their mothers, which means that they not only lack the important mother's milk, but also the necessary socialization. Behavioral disorders and a weak immune system can be the result . Without the vital vaccinations, they are ultimately smuggled across the border in a car, which means death for some puppies. Others are seriously ill. The papers are either missing or fake (8). According to the EU, 50,000 puppies are illegally traded in European countries every month.
In the past, noticeably low prices were a cause for concern. But today, dealers offer puppies at the same prices as breeders. This makes it more difficult to avoid this trap and uncover illegal trade. Therefore, you should think carefully about where the new addition to the family should come from. Anyone who becomes aware of illegal dealers should report them using this link (9).
Around 350,000 animals (10) end up in one of the 500 or so animal shelters in Germany every year, waiting for a new home and a new family. Whether abandoned, left behind, too expensive or too little time - animals with a variety of reasons for being given up gather here. But they all have one thing in common: they are lovable and deserve a second chance. They want to exchange the wire cage for their own dog bed and the hard-working but busy carers for their own human who will only pay attention to them. The animal shelter has animals of all ages, colors, sizes and personality traits. So there is a suitable companion for everyone. And that's not all: the animal carers know their charges and can help extensively with choosing the right animal. This gives the owner and dog the opportunity to get to know each other and sniff each other out. A great basis for a future together!
Would you like to look for "your" four-legged friend in an animal shelter near you? Here you can find an overview of animal shelters (11).
Adopting from a German animal shelter is wonderful and every animal deserves this adoption. But some people want to go a step further and give an animal from abroad a home. Animals in German animal shelters are treated relatively well. They get good food and medical care when they are sick. They also get to keep busy and get cuddles from carers or sponsors. Animals abroad are treated much worse: on the streets, in overcrowded animal shelters or killing stations, they fight for their survival every day.
When the tourist peak season approaches, so-called "clean-ups" take place in holiday regions: stray animals are killed so as not to stain the cityscape (12). Then there are the animals in the animal shelters, which do not meet German standards. They are overcrowded and only get whatever food is available. Even if it is just old bread. It even happens that the dogs eat each other. Sick and injured dogs run around with no prospect of medical care. Anyone who has seen the conditions in such an animal shelter with their own eyes will never be able to get the images out of their minds.
The dogs in the killing stations, on the other hand, only have a certain amount of time (e.g. two weeks) to find a new home. If that doesn't work out, they have to die. Even at the best of ages and in the best of health. Pictures keep cropping up on social media with mountains of dead dogs and the caption "...because nobody wanted us." A fate that no animal deserves.
So if you want to save an animal from almost certain death, you should contact one of the countless animal welfare organizations that can be found on the Internet: Many specialize in a country, some even in a certain species. Here, too, the organization offers advice and is sure to find the right dog. Some of them are already in a foster home in Germany and can therefore be met before adoption. And after a successful adoption, a new dog can move into the vacant foster home and thus also have the chance to find a great home.
Even if taking in a dog from abroad requires more work and patience in some cases, it is worth it. They show their gratitude every day. And it is a real joy to take steps together and experience success. A unique relationship develops.
Ultimately, everyone has to decide for themselves where an animal should come from. And the fact is that every animal deserves a dignified life, no matter where it comes from. Nevertheless, you are supporting certain structures with your choice, so the decision should be well considered.
The dogs of the VEGDOG pack come from abroad because animal welfare is important not only to the brand but also to each and every member of the team. Each dog has its own story, which has certainly left its mark. But each of them is unique in its own way and it is a true gift that they are part of our lives and our team.
So we ask ourselves: If there are so many homeless and familyless dogs who want a family, a warm home and a full bowl, why do more animals have to be bred? Therefore, we would like to say: Please remember that every dog ββfrom the breeder means that another dog ends up on the street, in the animal shelter or in the killing station.
1) VDH (oA): Breed lexicon. <https://www.vdh.de/welpen/rasse>
2) Merkur (2019): Criticism of cruel breeding of pets. <https://www.merkur.de/leben/tiere/kritik-an-qualzuchten-bei-haustieren-zr-11738464.html>
3) Planet Wissen (2020): Cruel breeding of dogs. <https://www.planet-wissen.de/natur/tier_und_mensch/tierzucht/qualzuchten-100.html>
4) Planet Wissen (2021): Merle dogs β beauty with a genetic defect. <https://www.planet-wissen.de>
5) PETA (2020): These 17 βpetsβ are cruelly bred β characteristics and diseases. <https://www.peta.de/themen/qualzucht-haustiere/>
6) German Animal Welfare Association (oA): Cruel breeding of pets. <https://www.tierschutzbund.de/information/hintergrund/heimtiere/qualzucht/>
7) Vier Pfoten (n.a.): Stop the illegal puppy trade. <https://www.vier-pfoten.de/kampagnen-themen/themen/heimtiere/hunde/illegaler-welpenhandel?fbclid=IwAR1yit9Xj1euCsZahbyFabNXQ7vdpBeYXr3qANQQoq-xRDoCLik22YGVxHM>
8) German Animal Welfare Association (oA): Illegal puppy trade. <https://www.tierschutzbund.de/information/hintergrund/heimtiere/illegaler-welpenhandel/>
9) Four Paws (n.a.): Report illegal puppy trade. <https://www.vier-pfoten.de/kampagnen-themen/themen/heimtiere/hunde/illegaler-welpenhandel/illegalen-welpenhandel-melden>
10) German Animal Welfare Association (oA): Animal placement. <https://www.tierschutzbund.de/organisation/einrichtungen/zentrum-weidefeld/tiervermittlung/>
11) Deutscher Tierschutzbund eV (oA): Find the animal shelters near you. <https://www.tierschutzbund.de/organisation/ueber-uns/tierheime/>
12) Planet Wissen (2017): Animals in the home. <https://www.planet-wissen.de/natur/tier_und_mensch/tiere_im_heim/index.html>
Alena Thielert
