Suggestions for increasing the quality of the ÖKV were included. Thanks to the Federal Chancellery for initiating an expert dialogue. ÖKV supports the federal government’s regulation
Vienna (OTS) – The federal government has agreed on a regulation to regulate working dog sports. Suggestions and the immediate measures of the Austrian Cynologists Association (ÖKV) were taken into account and a practical solution was found. The key points of the planned regulation presented today are: The so-called “protection dog training” is prohibited, but there are exceptions if certain requirements are met. In addition to the federal service dog sector, this includes – as suggested by the ÖKV – licensed dog trainers, handlers and dogs as well as an additional character check of the dogs before working dog sports. A breed list is not included – so there is no ban on certain dog breeds. Working dog sport remains an important tool for the breeding selection of service and working dogs and the quality of training is further increased.
The goal of responsible working dog sport is to have safe dogs that are suitable for everyday use and can be used in different areas. “In order to further increase the quality of training and safety, the ÖKV proposed emergency measures in autumn 2023, which have now been incorporated into the regulation. In addition, an additional national licensing test for dog handlers and dogs will be introduced before they practice working dog sports. The The test proves social compatibility, suitability for everyday use, controllability, safety and species-appropriate training in hunting and prey behavior,” said ÖKV board member Philipp Ita.
The ÖKV welcomes the planned regulation and thanks the Federal Chancellery, which has enabled a broad dialogue for a practicable solution: “Chancellor Karl Nehammer invited numerous experts and discussed different ideas and possible measures at eye level. This balance of interests was the prerequisite for that working dog sport remains an important training and selection for dog breeding and that professionalization and safety for people and animals are further increased,” says Ita. The ÖKV would also like to thank the ÖVP parliamentary group – namely club chairman August Wöginger and MPs Josef Hechenberger and Georg Strasser – for the constructive cooperation as well as SPÖ animal protection spokesman Dietmar Keck, the 3rd National Council President Norbert Hofer and FPÖ animal protection spokesman Alois Kainz for the Support for the preservation of working dog sports.
Details of the regulation
In the future, dogs will have to complete a character test as part of an admission test, present a veterinary certificate and be mature (12 months of life). Dog owners must take an exam – both general and the dog-human team – and provide a certificate of good repute. Training may only take place on training grounds, which means that an important demand of the ÖKV – the concrete ban on backyard arming – has been implemented. In addition, only licensed trainers and helpers are allowed to conduct training. The details and examination regulations are developed by Dog Audit as well as experts and associations.
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