Scandal in Oranienburg: Over 70 animals rescued from burning house!

Scandal in Oranienburg: Over 70 animals rescued from burning house!

A dramatic incident occurred in Oranienburg, Brandenburg, which is now calling the authorities into action. On April 26th there was a fire in a single-family home on Germendorfer Allee, in which more than 70 animals were rescued. Among the animals rescued were 62 dogs, 12 domestic cats, 2 Savannah cats, 3 servals and around 45 ducks. The fire was caused by improper use of a gas burner and two people were slightly injured in the incident, as MAZ Online reported.

The Oberhavel district veterinary office is now coming under criticism. An Oranienburg woman who wishes to remain anonymous has turned to the public with allegations. She allegedly gave the veterinary office several tips about illegal breeding by the homeowner. Neighbors also expressed concerns, but the responsible office apparently did not respond. Press spokesman Tobias Thieme confirmed that several reports relating to animal welfare had been received since 2015, with the last report dating from 2019. Deficiencies had already been identified back then that questioned proper animal husbandry.

Criticism of the veterinary office

In such cases, as Animal-Hoarding explains, there are always accusations against veterinary officials because of their hesitant reactions. It often remains unclear why the authorities did not intervene sooner even though they were aware of the abuses. The concept of “animal hoarding” – the mass gathering of animals under catastrophic conditions – is at issue in these cases. Inaction can not only lead to further crimes, but also to existing animal suffering not being stopped immediately.

Some of the animals that were placed in animal shelters after the fire showed alarming health problems. Some had to be euthanized due to their condition, while others are receiving veterinary treatment. The majority of the rescued animals are in the Tornow animal shelter, where the high demand for the 42 Pomeranians and 12 Bengal cats is noticeable. Cats, on the other hand, remain less in demand due to possible illnesses.

Investigations are ongoing

Investigations have already been initiated against the homeowners on suspicion of animal welfare violations. According to Tagesschau, the authorities complained that there was no permit for the commercial breeding of vertebrates and that the keeping of the exotic animals did not comply with legal requirements.

However, finding a new home for the exotic animals is proving difficult. Their accommodation must take place both at home and abroad. The animal rescuers are hoping for early success so that these animals can also be placed in species-appropriate conditions. In the meantime, the responsibility remains with the authorities to ensure that such abuses are avoided in the future.