A few years ago, I reported a farm belonging to acquaintances to the veterinary office - horses in deplorable condition. The horse boxes hadn't been mucked out and the horses were lying in their own excrement for weeks at a time - without bedding, just on the rubber mat. Dogs had fluid in their abdomen and could barely walk. A horse suffering from severe arthritis was locked in its box and could hardly stand up anymore. The horse then lay in its own excrement in that box for several weeks. The entire situation on this farm had simply spiralled completely out of control. When the lady from the veterinary office came for the second time, I happened to be there by chance. The changes since the first visit were sobering - she merely measured the box with the most bedding, passed it on to her superiors and had a coffee with the farm owner. Nothing happened after that. For me, this is a clear sign that not enough attention is being paid here.

Hello,

For over 30 years I have been an auditor in an animal welfare control body. Today, I am appalled by the result, albeit provisional, of the survey! This is truly proof that the public's perception and the reality on the ground are diametrically opposed, this being due to inadequate information from the Confederation. As an auditor for so many years, I can assure you that the vast majority of current animal owners treat them properly. For the most part, they are professionals who do much more than the minimum for the welfare of their animals.

Of course, there are still and always black sheep! Inspections are frequent, I can assure you. Where I have the most difficulty is with pets. Some owners, believing they are doing the right thing, cause their animals to suffer, this due to a lack of training.