Contents
Imported puppies with life-threatening illnesses populated veterinary clinics during the pandemic. Politicians and the judiciary wanted to take action against the dog mafia abroad. Two years later it becomes clear that the laws are delayed and the judiciary has no control.
The barking was deafening when Slovakian environmental police stormed a hall with around 40 kennels at the beginning of September. Raid on the headquarters of the dog trading company Elitdog in Balon, an hour’s drive from the Slovakian capital Bratislava.
From here, more than 800 dogs have been delivered to Switzerland in the last four years – to order online. A particularly large number of puppies were imported during the pandemic in 2021: in the Zurich animal hospital, one in five dogs with a life-threatening illness came from Elitdog.
Legend:
SRF
During the raid, investigators came across vaccinations, blank passports and antibiotics. Elitdog managing director RT is not a veterinarian. “We suspect that he is working with the regional veterinary authority,” says chief investigator Ondrej Koporec. Because of the suspicion of corruption, the investigation lasted three years and was difficult.
The veterinary authority in Bratislava writes: “As long as the investigation is ongoing, Elitdog is not allowed to transport dogs.” The company website is still online. A phone call shows that the dog you want can be delivered within a week.
Investigations stall
Meanwhile, the investigations in Switzerland do not seem to be making any progress: in September 2021, the St. Gallen public prosecutor’s office received a criminal complaint against Elitdog. Offense: Forgery of documents and violation of the Animal Diseases and Animal Welfare Act.
The cantonal veterinarians had collected over 350 cases of irregularities, such as forged passports and non-existent rabies vaccinations, and filed a complaint against Elitdog via the Federal Veterinary Office (BLV). More than two years later, the case remains pending. No information, according to the St. Gallen public prosecutor’s office.
The chief investigator of the environmental police in Slovakia is more talkative: They have had several conversations with the Swiss prosecutors and are waiting for the files to be handed over. Ondrej Koporec says he doesn’t know why it’s taking two years. “The files still need to be translated into Slovak.”
Politician stands up
Two years ago, the head of the Slovakian veterinary authority promised to close Elitdog if he received the evidence collected from Switzerland. So why hasn’t the BLV forwarded the 350 cases long ago?
“Data protection takes precedence over animal protection,” said Liv Sigg, research associate at the Federal Veterinary Office, in a DOK film at the time. A change in the law is needed to hand over evidence through official channels.
The film brought SP National Councilor and animal rights activist Martina Munz to the scene. Your proposal was accepted. But even two years later, it is unclear when it will be implemented: There is still no timetable for changing the Animal Welfare Act, writes the BLV.
In the meantime, does at least the older puppy age apply (see box)? No, says Munz. Probably 2025, writes the BLV. So around four years after their proposal was accepted.
“It took time to hear from those affected,” says the BLV. Constitutional lawyer Markus Schefer has little understanding: “Four years is a very long time for a matter that is quite manageable.”