Kitzbühel authority opens proceedings against four men after cat-killing acquittals

The Kitzbühel district authority has opened administrative penalty proceedings against all four men acquitted in the animal cruelty case in the Brixental, ORF reported. The men had killed a cat and were acquitted by the Innsbruck Regional Court.

After reviewing the court’s ruling, the authority said questions under animal welfare law remained unresolved. In particular, it will examine whether the animal was killed without a “reasonable reason”. The authority said it was following the argument put forward by the veterinary chamber.

The four men could face fines of up to 7,500 euros if they are found liable in the administrative proceedings.

The men were acquitted of animal cruelty charges at the Innsbruck Regional Court on 4 August. The Kitzbühel district authority said its review found that relevant animal welfare issues had not been sufficiently addressed in the ruling. It has not yet announced when the administrative cases will be decided.