A petition calling for stronger animal protection measures against organised begging involving animals has reached the required number of signatures.
Nearly 5,900 people signed the petition within the first 18 days. It will remain open for another 24 days, after which all signatures will need to be formally verified.
The petitioner stresses that the initiative is not aimed at homeless individuals who own a dog, but specifically at organised criminal networks that use animals, most often dogs, but sometimes rabbits or other animals, to solicit money.
Despite numerous reports, the petitioner argues that concrete action against such practices remains rare.
He is calling for changes to the legal framework so that animal welfare is better protected in cases of organised begging, and is proposing that a constructive dialogue be launched to address the issue.
