Illegal dog breeding uncovered: animal shelter is desperately looking for missing dogs!

Illegal dog breeding uncovered: animal shelter is desperately looking for missing dogs!

In recent weeks there have been alarming incidents in the area of ​​animal protection in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Just a few weeks ago, on May 13th, an illegal dog breeding operation was uncovered in Warin, where 16 bulldogs were confiscated by the veterinary office. These animals were then housed in surrounding animal shelters, including the Dorf Mecklenburg animal shelter. The breeders acted without any authorization and kept the dogs in catastrophic conditions. Unfortunately, such illegal breeding methods are not an isolated case, as Kaernten ORF reports.

When it comes to illegal dog breeding, the number of unreported cases is high, which is also reflected in the recent discovery of a breed in the Villach-Land district. 27 mixed-breed dogs were seized here, whose miserable living conditions were alarming. The dogs ended up in animal shelters and are in urgent need of help, which is another example of the growing problem of the illegal puppy trade. Puppy purchases are often made over the Internet, and many people are willing to neglect the necessary research in order to get a dog quickly. Against illegal puppy trade also shows that Germany is one of the main buyer countries for these animals.

Break-in at the Dorf Mecklenburg animal shelter

In addition to the issue of illegal breeding, the incidents at the Dorf Mecklenburg animal shelter are worrying. On the night of June 8th to 9th there was a break-in there in which six dogs were stolen. The theft not only caused significant property damage amounting to several thousand euros, but also left the entire team and animal lovers in a state of shock. Luckily, an animal keeper on site was uninjured.

The stolen dogs include Old English Bulldogs born in 2022, as well as three puppies born in April 2025 and two other female dogs. While the mother dog and her puppies have already been found, the whereabouts of the other two animals remain uncertain. The missing dogs are also seriously ill and need urgent medical care. The animal shelter therefore appeals to the public: Information about the missing dogs can be given directly to the criminal police or the animal shelter.

The illegal puppy trade in discussion

The problem of illegal dog breeding and the puppy trade has come into focus since the Corona pandemic. Many people want to add a four-legged friend to their family quickly and easily. What is often overlooked is that the animals often come from illegal breeding facilities where they had to live in poor conditions. According to estimates, up to 50,000 puppies are transported within the EU every month. The Federal Association for Animal Protection is therefore calling for measures to be taken against the illegal puppy trade. These include, among other things, a microchip requirement, closer control of sales advertisements and an increase in penalties for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

The situation calls for greater awareness among the population in order not only to recognize such grievances, but also to actively take action against them. Illegality and the animal cruelty associated with it must be fought with all determination.