Template text: Protection of hunting dogs and underground hunting ban
1. Motion
The government council is instructed to submit to the cantonal parliament a proposal to significantly strengthen the protection of dogs used in recreational hunting in the canton (...). The revision must ensure in particular that
- the use of dogs in underground hunting is banned, as this form of hunting systematically places dogs in situations where severe bite injuries, suffocation risk and psychological trauma are unavoidable
- a mandatory reporting obligation is introduced for all injuries that dogs suffer while deployed in recreational hunting
- the cantonal veterinary office submits an annual public report on reported hunting dog injuries
- dogs used in recreational hunting undergo independent veterinary examination at least once annually
In particular, it must be legally regulated that
- training dogs on live wild animals (live animal training) is expressly classified as a violation of the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG Art. 16)
- hobby hunters who repeatedly expose dogs to injuries while hunting can receive a ban on keeping hunting dogs
- minimum standards for the keeping, transport and rest periods of hunting dogs are made binding
- the use of dogs in driven hunts is limited to a maximum of one hour per deployment day
2. Brief justification
Hunting dogs belong to the forgotten victims of recreational hunting. In underground hunting they are sent into narrow, dark earth burrows where they encounter defensive wild animals. Severe bite injuries are inherent to the system. Hobby hunter trade publications openly recommend carrying 'an entire arsenal of emergency care equipment'.
Animal welfare law prohibits setting dogs on other animals or training them for 'sharpness' on live animals (Animal Welfare Act Art. 16). In the practice of burrow hunting, exactly this is systematically practiced. No systematic recording of injuries exists.
The present motion calls for a ban on burrow hunting with dogs, mandatory reporting requirements and binding husbandry standards.