Fines of up to 7,000 euros for dog owners who violate the rules
A new law came into effect today, Tuesday, in Oberösterreich (Upper Austria) that strictly prohibits training dogs to attack and bite. This controversial practice, long considered by animal rights activists to be a form of torture, is now completely banned. The new law is part of the Haltergesetz (Dog Breeding Law) that was adopted after a wide-ranging controversy sparked by a tragic incident.
The law allows only one exception: police or security dogs can continue to receive this type of training, but within a formal framework and under specialist supervision.
Jürgen Stadler from the Pfotenhilfe Lochen Association (Animal Rescue Association in the Braunau area) explained that previous violations often occurred on weekends when animal protection authorities were not on duty. He emphasized that activists now need to intensify their documentation of any violations and legally challenge them.
The spark that led to this new legislation was an incident that occurred on October 2, 2023, when a woman was jogging in the Naarn area (in Bezirk Perg) and was attacked by dogs, resulting in her death from severe injuries that completely disfigured her features.
In response to this incident, the government of Oberösterreich has enacted a new law regulating dog breeding, which will come into effect on December 1, 2024. The law includes strict restrictions, especially on large dogs or those described as 'aggressive', and requires their owners to pass a training course along with a special test proving their suitability for daily handling of dogs.
Those who do not comply with these procedures may face fines of up to 7,000 euros.