Germany wants to ban sausage dogs and others with “abnormalities in the skeletal system” | pet

Sausage dogs, beagles, boxers and the schnauzers These are some of the breeds that could be banned in Germany. The issue comes a month after the country’s government announced a new animal protection bill that wants to ban breeds that have health problems or genetic malformations, including motor difficulties, problems with internal organs or a short lifespan.

According to the The Telegraph, the proposal aims to put an end to “skeletal anomalies” resulting from the physiognomy of some races and is generating discord in Germany, mainly because of the dachshund (dogs sausage).

These animals, which are one of the most popular breeds in the country, are known for being small, having short legs and a long back and snout, characteristics that tend to cause spinal injuries. The German dog breeding club (VHD, in its original acronym) therefore believes that the genetics of sausage dogs are sufficient reason for the Government to ban the breed.

Speaking to the British daily, a source from the German Ministry of Agriculture stated that these dogs will not cease to exist in the country and explained that the bill only refers to the prohibition of what he called “breeding by torture”, that is, with characteristics that cause “pain and suffering” to species.

Still, the German dog club says these reasons are “vague” and, on March 21, launched a petition to avoid “incorrect or exaggerated interpretations” and protect sausage dogs.

“Many of the proposed changes, such as regulating the online pet trade or taking action against the illegal dog trade, make sense, but the new animal protection law introduces requirements that could spell the end for many healthy dog ​​breeds. in Germany”, reads the VDH petition. On Facebook, posts against the proposal are repeated.

In a statement, the dog breeding club believes that the German Government will ban the breeding of any breed of dog that is visually different from a wolf. So far, the petition has gathered 14 thousand signatures, writes the Sky News.

In addition to this, writes the same source, the club believes that if the proposal becomes law, the boxers, pugs, bulldogs French and English —​ breeds with flat snouts and respiratory problems —, as well as the cocker spaniels It is poodles may be banned from the country.

Dogs entitled to museum

According to the The Telegraphthe creation of dachshunds began in the Middle Ages, when they were used for hunting because they were small and able to chase prey that hid inside burrows. The two front legs, which are longer and slightly curved, allow them to dig easily.

The popularity of this breed in Germany led, in 2018, to the creation of the Dackelmuseum (sausage dog museum, in free translation) in the city of Regensburg, Bavaria. According to the site In the museum, more than 30 thousand objects related to these animals are on display.

German physicist Albert Einstein or German Kaiser Wilhelm II are some of the historical figures who owned sausage dogs. This breed was also the mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.