So far, there has been no uniform regulation for the private keeping of wild animals in Germany. The international animal welfare foundation calls for binding laws to prohibit the keeping of wild animals in private hands. “Private individuals who acquire a wild animal as a pet are usually overwhelmed after a short time with the high demands of animal husbandry. At the latest when the animals become sexually mature, the first problems appear. For these reasons, wild animals are often given away or abandoned,” says expert Lindenschmidt.
Wukk is not the only fox in the TIERART wildlife station: «Some of them are breeding animals from the fur industry or red foxes that can no longer be released into the wild. Wukk will live in an enclosure together with the foxes Jackson and SingSing. We assume that the socialization is possible without any problems and that the three will get along well. Of course, initially they remain under surveillance so that in case of vicious fights we could step in and separate Wukk. However, it is extremely unlikely that this will happen. SingSing and Jackson are used to living with their own kind and are very peaceful. In addition, there are enough retreat and hiding places in the enclosure so that the animals can avoid each other,” explains Eva Lindenschmidt.
As long as there are no uniform regulations at the federal level, it is up to the federal states to establish their own state regulations on the private keeping of wild animals for reasons of averting danger. So far, nine federal states have reacted to the lack of uniform federal laws and issued ordinances on the keeping of dangerous or poisonous animals, so-called dangerous animal ordinances. Unfortunately, in the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt, lions and crocodiles can still be kept legally. In order to avoid cases like Wukk in Germany, urges the remaining federal states to introduce their own comprehensive and far-reaching dangerous animal ordinances.
ANIMAL Wildlife station
The TIERART wildlife station houses and cares for numerous native wild animals such as foxes, badgers, wildcats, raccoons, rabbits and hedgehogs. Some protégés are only temporary guests. After receiving medical attention and recovering, they are released back into the wild. Animals that cannot be released back into the wild will find a permanent, species-appropriate home here.
High-resolution photos you can here download.
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Photos Wukk:
Group photos: Tierschutz Austria
You can find more information about ‘ commitment to wildlife here.
Eva Lindenschmidt is available for interviews.