Germans Outraged As Government Considers Breeding Ban on Popular Dog

German dog lovers are up in arms over a draft law from the German Agricultural Ministry, which might ban breeding dogs with "skeletal anomalies." One breed in particular has Germans concerned — "sausage dogs," aka, Dachshunds.

The German government is currently considering the law, which could possibly put an end to the beloved breed within the country's borders.

According to a new report by CNN, the German Agricultural Ministry is in charge of animal protection and intends the law to help end what they call "torture breeding."

Some of the abnormalities that officials are worried about are very long spines and very long legs. Hence the concern for Dachshunds.

BBC News reports that the German Kennels Association (VDH) has since launched a petition against the draft law. They saw that other breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs could also be impacted by the law if it passes because of their breathing problems.

The ministry itself has tried to assure German citizens that it will not ban the breeding of Dachshunds, nor any other breeds that people hold dear.

"No dog breeds will be banned," a spokesman for the agriculture ministry told BBC. "We want to prevent breeders from deforming dogs so much, that they suffer."

The government agency has said the draft law is focused on breeds that are at risk for having these extreme characteristics. They want to prevent the breeding of dogs with these "abnormalities" that can lead to suffering, poor health, or shorter life expectancy.

"Just because people find something new or aesthetically pleasing, animals shouldn't be tormented," said the ministry's spokesman added.

This isn't the first time that German officials have tried to put an end to "torture breeding." There have been laws banning the practice in effect for the last 30 years. This latest effort, however, would be clearer and less open to interpretation.

There would be a precise scientific criteria about the types of breeding that would define torture breeding. Existing animals would be permitted to be kept with their owners, but would not be allowed to breed or be exhibited in dog shows.

"There will always be sausage dogs," the spokesman added. "We will just never see any with legs one centimeter long."

People in the comments section had strong opinions about the draft law. "There definitely needs to be more legislation and harsher penalties for backyard breeders,
 wrote one person. "I love dogs especially pugs but I somehow agree to this. Don't breed dogs who only live with health issues that only hurt them," someone else chimed in. "The Germans are right," a third person agreed.

It'll have to be seen what specific measures the draft law entails and if it'll pass. But here's hoping that the law will make for healthier, happier sausage dogs.

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