Freistadt opens Upper Austria’s first shelter for problem dogs

Freistadt animal shelter has opened Upper Austria’s first dedicated facility for dogs seized by authorities or showing behavioural problems, ORF reported. The newly built dog house will provide eight places, closing a gap in the accommodation available for such animals.

Until now, Upper Austria lacked enough suitable and secure facilities. Problem dogs were therefore often sent to shelters in other federal states. The new facility is intended to allow them to remain in the state.

During a visit, Upper Austria’s animal welfare councillor Martin Winkler of the SPÖ said that clear legal rules also needed to be backed by suitable structures. The new places in Freistadt provide a reliable way to house the dogs safely and have them professionally assessed, he said.

Upper Austria invested about 330,000 euros in expanding the shelter. The work is not yet fully complete, however. The shelter said the interior furnishings were still largely missing.