Close to 4,000 dogs (and their owners) from 27 countries participated in the International Dog Show at Luxexpo in Kirchberg last weekend. Despite strict regulations, several cases of animal mistreatment were recorded by authorities on the ground.
Given the large number of participating animals, the hot weather conditions, and the concrete car park outside of the show venue, violations of animal rights and of the rules set by the event organisers were almost to be expected, however.
Organisers reinforced safety measures after the 2018 show had to be cancelled due to a person leaving a number of dogs locked up in their car. Still, that does not discourage everyone to actually follow the rules, as some opt to hide their canine companions behind tinted windows.
Although a spokesperson for the Veterinary Inspection announced on Saturday afternoon that patrolling customs officers did not find any infringements, our colleagues from RTL still found one van with two barking dogs locked inside.
According to Berit Majeres of the Veterinary Inspection, authorities once again found cages that were too small, but overall fewer than in previous years. Organisation head Raymond Jung believes that visitors know by now that Luxembourg has stricter rules for its dog show and that this discourages offenders.
For instance, people who were found to violate rules, like leaving dogs locked inside cars, are not allowed to return to the event.
