Legal framework
New Animal Welfare Act effective from January 1, 2025
As of January 1, 2025 (§ 22a of the Animal Welfare Act), animal keepers who breed animals that are not agricultural livestock are subject to the following obligations:
- Breeding is only allowed with healthy animals.
- For dogs, cats and certain animal breeds or animals with specific characteristics listed in the regulation pursuant to § 22b (1) Animal Welfare Act, a program or documentation of veterinary examinations and the assessment of risk factors is required to prevent harmful breeding practices/extreme breeding.
- Breeders must be aware of the risk factors relevant to the species they are breeding and act accordingly.
- Breeders must ensure that hereditary defects are minimized and that extreme breeding practices are prevented.
Breeding programs
Requirements for participation in breeding programs and their monitoring
- For animal keepers participating in a breeding program deemed suitable by the Commission (§ 22a (2) Animal Welfare Act) the above-mentioned requirements are considered fulfilled, provided they comply with the contents of the program.
- Breeding or action programs established by breeding associations or clubs must be submitted to the Commission for evaluation (§ 22b (3) Animal Welfare Act).
- These documents must be submitted within six months of the amended Animal Welfare Act entering into force (i.e. by June 30, 2025).
- New programs must be submitted for assessment of their suitability before breeding acitvities commence.
Procedure
Information on the submission of breeding and action programs
- Forms and up-to-date information will be available on the website of the Extreme Breeding Commission.
- The submitted documents must include comprehensive information:
- The name of the association/club or contact person,
- Information on the animals (including a detailed description of the breed and associated risks),
- Measures taken to ensure the health of the offspring.
- After a positive assessment by the scientific commission, the report will be sent to the submitting organization or contact person.
Ressources
Information material for breeders
