Wiener Dog War, Leftist Overkill Threatens Breed

The left and its meddling seem to be endless. They attack anything traditional no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. They relish attacking those things that are held with love within the hearts of the majority. Many times, when the rule of law is involved, the results that they pursue are subversive; until the change is instituted, then their interpretation is enforced.

Wording a law so that it is deliberately vague and has multiple interpretations is often a tactic of the left. It represents a sleight of hand used to disarm its critics and allow it to be passed.

Currently, in Germany, there is a conflict between dog owners, enthusiasts, breeders, and the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture. According to Sky News, German officials are currently discussing a law that could impose limitations on dog breeders. The proposed law aims to prohibit traits that could cause pain to the animals.

The law focuses on Dachshunds, a breed of dog originally bred in Germany for hunting. Its name translates to “badger dog,” and its shorter legs were useful for burrowing. The breed includes six different varieties, each with three different coat types: smooth-haired, long-haired, and wirehaired. While dachshunds can be prone to developing slipped discs due to their physique, if kept healthy, they typically live for more than 12 years.

A representative from the German Ministry of Food and Agriculture stated that the current version of the law is expected to be modified as it progresses through parliament.

“The issue at hand pertains to the characteristics stemming from breeding for deformity and the overall welfare of animals, not, as erroneously asserted, to a blanket prohibition targeting specific breeds. The focal point remains on averting breeding endeavors involving animals showcasing traits liable to cause anguish or distress.”

In Response, Dachshund owner Marion Michelet, chairwoman of the Deutscher Teckelklub Berlin-Brandenburg kennel club said this:

“The sausage dog is part of Germany’s cultural heritage. The sausage dog is not torture breeding just because it is small and has short legs. The new draft law is exaggerated, and is aimed against breeding as a whole.”

According to The New York Times Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the kennel club, said in a statement:

“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined. Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy dog breeds could be banned from breeding.”

Kopernik went on to say that the kennel club wants the law to have very specific characteristics to make clear what it considered a deformity.

Dachshund breeder Sandra Karthäuser was irritated with the notion the government would regulate the breed.

“Because there is no evidence that the dog is somehow ill due to its exterior. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be able to survive the hunt.”

She stated that some variations within the breed may be prone to ailments.

“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me, then you can also ban Labradors because some are prone to hip dysplasia.”

According to the  BBC, a German official tried to say that breed banning is not the government’s intent.

“No dog breeds will be banned. We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much that they suffer. There will always be sausage dogs, we will just never see any with legs one centimeter long.”

However, some are not so sure. They believe that if Germany’s branch of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals gets its way, the law will be used to ban 17 breeds.  The VDH said that if the draft becomes law English and French bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Toy Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and Shelties could all be banned from reproducing. Larger dogs including German shepherds could also be under threat due to their shorter life expectancy when compared with smaller dogs.

The club argues that a list of banned characteristics needs to be created after discussion with experts and “based on scientific facts.”

The VDH said in a statement:

“Many of the proposed changes, such as regulating the online trade in animals or taking action against the illegal puppy trade, make sense. However, it contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog ​​breeds in Germany. The health and quality of life of the animals must be the priority. Then torture breeding can be combated effectively.”

The VDH also started a petition calling for changes to the wording of the Act before it’s enforced. 

“The Animal Protection Act draft lists various disease characteristics that lead to a ban on breeding dogs. Unfortunately, many of the characteristics mentioned are vague and ambiguous. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation, which carries the risk of incorrect or exaggerated interpretations and will lead to great legal uncertainty among law enforcement authorities, veterinarians, breeders, and dog owners.”

I have owned three breeds of dogs, which may be affected by a potential ban on their breeding. These breeds include a Dachshund named Barron, a Beagle named Ally (also known as Ally McBeagle), and a Jack Russell named Bailey. Although like any living creature, they have physical imperfections, don’t we all have our own flaws? There is sufficient opposition from animal lovers indicating that a rewrite of the ban is necessary to ensure the continuation of all the breeds that may be affected.

No dog breed is perfect in every way. Like the hoax of climate change, this is just another way for the left to interfere with tradition and the normalcy of life.