Animal welfare officials in the Swiss canton of Aargau have seized 40 dogs and 13 horses from a farm in the Fricktal region. The owner had been banned from keeping animals since February but hadn't handed them over. The operation took place on 7 October, one horse had to be put to sleep, and the canton says it will file a criminal complaint. The owner disputes the seizure and wants her animals back.

What happened

According to the canton's veterinary service, officers went to the farm, in Oberhof according to 20 Minuten, on 7 October and took away 40 dogs, Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, and 13 Appaloosa horses. Cantonal and regional police went along because the situation on site was unclear.

The vets reported that the dogs had no drinking water and were poorly socialized. Some weren't used to wearing a collar, the canton told 20 Minuten. The horses had too little bedding and dark stalls. One horse had old leg injuries that had apparently never been treated, and an independent vet decided it had to be put to sleep.

A ban that was ignored

This wasn't a first visit. On 24 February the veterinary service banned the owner from keeping, caring for or breeding animals anywhere in Switzerland, citing repeated breaches of animal protection and animal disease law. Earlier inspections had found muddy paddocks, poor feeding and stalls that were too dark or too small.

She was given until 15 July to give up the animals. The canton says she didn't, and didn't cooperate, so it enforced the ban in October. She'll have to pay for the operation and for the animals' vet care and housing.

20 Minuten reports that four dogs were left with her for now.

Her side

The owner, who hasn't been named, told 20 Minuten there was no reason to take the animals from the house. She accuses the authorities of causing emotional harm to her family and the animals, disputes the decision to put the horse down, and wants all of them returned. The canton says it's open to talks, and that if she cooperates, she might be allowed to keep a few dogs.

What happens next

The animals are getting vet care in suitable facilities. The canton plans to rehome them. It first asked an animal welfare organization to help with that, but that cooperation didn't come about, so the veterinary service is handling it itself. People interested in adopting can register through the canton's website.

The criminal complaint has been announced but not decided. No court has ruled on the case.

What it means for pet owners

The canton describes these dogs as isolated and poorly socialized. If you adopt one, expect a slow start, and ask the rehoming team what the dog is already used to, like a collar, a leash, other dogs or being indoors.

If you're worried about animals on a farm or at a breeder:

  • In Switzerland, contact the cantonal veterinary office or the police.
  • In Slovenia, call the police on 113 (or 080 1200 anonymously) or report neglect to UVHVVR, the food safety and veterinary administration.
  • Note dates and what you saw from a public place. Don't go onto private land.

We'll update this report if the case goes to court or the canton shares adoption details.

Sources