Veterinarians on siteDogexpo 2019 to undergo stricter controls

The Luxembourg Kennel Federation (FCL) has again organised the canine exhibition Dogexpo which will take place this weekend in the exhibition halls of Luxexpo The Box, in Kirchberg.

A whole series of precautions have been put into place following cases of animal mistreatment in previous years. Two years ago, dogs were found locked in a van in deplorable conditions, in direct sunlight. The owner was fined 3,000 euros and banned from breeding for 10 years,

In April 2018, police were forced to intervene on two occasions for similar situations: dogs were shut in a van in insufferable heat, without water. These actions forced organisers to cancel the second exhibition in September 2018 and to adopt new, stricter rules for future occasions.

In preliminary interviews between the event organisers FCL, the Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development, agents of the Veterinary Services Administration, the veterinary association for pets (LAK) and agents from the Customs and Excise Department, the following conditions were fixed to ensure the smooth running of future shows with regard to animal welfare:

• Systematic veterinary checks for each dog before entry to the exhibition hall: any animal which does not conform will not be admitted to the exhibition. Non-conformity can include vaccinations, documents or even tail or ear amputation. To this end, 10 vets will be carrying out the check at 5 different entry points to the hall.

• No dog is to be left in a parked vehicle in the vicinity of the hall, under threat of exclusion. The organisers have registration numbers of the exhibitors and are therefore well disposed to locate anyone contravening these rules.

• Vehicle checks will be performed by customs officials and security agents throughout the car park. 5 or 6 customs officers will have a permanent presence during the 2 days of the Dogexpo.

• Two official veterinarians from the Veterinary Services Administration will operate a telephone hotline and can visit the site as needed.

• Grand Ducal police officers will be on call to provide rapid intervention in the case of any misdemeanours relating to the canine exhibition.