The current ban on protection services and working dog sports is causing massive unrest in Austria – not only among dog sports enthusiasts, but now also at the ministerial level. After the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Federal Armed Forces, represented by spokesperson Michael Bauer, issued clear statements, it has become clear: This issue affects far more than just dog sports. The reactions indicate that an official conflagration is developing here.

Here are the statements in full:

Michael Bauer, Spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of Defence:

"The ban on training guard dogs for civilian breeders has negative repercussions for the Austrian Armed Forces. Purchasing dogs now carries a significant risk because the pre-assessment, previously conducted by private breeders, is missing."

Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI, Austria):
"The regulation that prohibits the training of guard dogs by civilian breeders in the future will have disadvantages for the police: Purchasing dogs may only be possible from abroad in the future. This will make it more difficult to maintain quality standards. Approximately 30–60 dogs begin training as police dogs each year. In the past eight months, the Federal Police have purchased 31 animals. Around 80% of these came from Austria, the rest from other European countries."