Just last week, devastating abuses in a cowshed in the Braunau district came to light. As reported, the authorities had the stable cleared. A few days later, the next case: cows covered in dirt from head to toe, tied up in “the shortest chains imaginable, so that they can hardly lie down”. According to OÖN information, a third farmer is also known to the authorities. He lets his animals out to pasture, but ties them with a rope to a wooden post, even in 30 degree heat, without access to water or shelter. State Agriculture Minister Michaela Langer-Weninger has now spoken out about the abuses in the stables.
Official veterinarians carry out regular inspections of livestock farms, both announced and unannounced. Most of the time, there is nothing to complain about. “In the few cases where irregularities or deficiencies are identified, the farms are immediately required to take concrete measures to improve,” says the state councilor. The requirements are strictly monitored, and failure to comply can result in consequences – including eviction from the stables. In the current case, the farmer who had let his animals become neglected and chained them up for far too short a time allegedly showed insight, and the calves have since been switched to pasture farming.
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Image: RespekTiere
Source: Nachrichten
