Az ebrendészeti telepek működtetésének állatvédelmi vonatkozásai

Abstract

Background: In the research we investigated the current operation methods of dog and cat pounds in Hungary, looked into the relevant legislations and examined how much and in what ways these legislations can be complied with. Objectives: The aim of the research was to either support or deny two hypot- hesises. The first hypothesis was that the legislations cannot be fully complied with. The second was that if legislations were fully adhered to, it would have many undesirable consequences, which would result in the overall reduction of animal wellbeing. Materials and Methods: The method was to interview the managers of ten pounds, who had to answer the same questions regarding the operation of the pound. The answers were then analysed from the view of the relevant laws. Results and Discussion: Based on the research, recommendations were made regarding possible changes in the legislation, the system and the financial mana- gement. We offered solutions on how to run the dog pounds in a more mana- geable, more animal friendly fashion and how to improve from the health point of view and also shed light on a few discrepancies in the legislation. With the help of the answers received, the two hypothesises were confirmed. The first hypothesis was that current legal regulations cannot be fully complied with. This is clearly confirmed by the fact that none of the sites examined can comply with all regu- lations. The second hypothesis was that full compliance with regulations would also have many undesirable consequences to the detriment of the animals. This assumption was supported by several facts, for example, if the rules on minimum housing or maximum space had to be observed, in many places animals would not be able to be admitted or be kept longer after the official observation period, and euthanasia due to lack of space is expected. Many sites would cease to operate completely in this case, since their operation was conditional on the absence of euthanasia due to lack of space, and the closure of these pounds would increase the stray animal problem exponentially.