Burgenland trains police to target illegal puppy trade

Burgenland, the animal welfare organisation Vier Pfoten and the state police have trained about 70 officers to help them identify illegal puppy transports near the border, ORF reported.

The training covered traders’ typical methods, how to spot forged documents and how to handle confiscated dogs. Burgenland’s role as a border region makes it important for checks on cross-border animal trade, the article said.

Vier Pfoten estimates that illegal puppy sales generate at least 38 million euros a year in Austria. The trade is highly profitable and causes animal suffering, participants at the workshop said. Puppies are often separated from their mothers too early, are sick and have not received adequate vaccinations.

Deputy Governor Anja Haider-Wallner of the Greens said the workshop aimed to provide practical knowledge and strengthen animal welfare during inspections.