On Monday 19 August 2024, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) has confirmed it was informed that five dogs died following their stay in a dog kennel in the south of Luxembourg.
ALVA experts have subsequently launched an investigation. This revealed that the five dogs died in different situations and that the dog kennel was not authorised by Luxembourg’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture. Further investigations are still ongoing to determine the exact reason(s) for their deaths.
In this context, ALVA provided a number of details regarding the authorisation and operating regime for dog boarding kennels.
Firstly, any operation of a dog boarding kennel is subject to ministerial authorisation in accordance with art. 6 (2) 6. of the law of 27 June 2018 on the protection of animals. An application file must be submitted in writing with the following documents: plans of the infrastructure and equipment, a detailed description of the activity, a list of staff with proof of training on the conditions of keeping animals, a list of animals to be kept and a description of the conditions in which the animals are kept. When the file is complete, an on-site visit is carried out by ALVA experts to finalise the application.
Besides, any potential client can also request proof of authorisation from the operator, which ALVA strongly recommends.
When irregularities or observations are brought to the attention of ALVA, additional checks may be organised in accordance with art. 4 of the aforementioned law. In the event of proven violations of the law, the operating permit may be withdrawn, ALVA emphasised.
The law of 27 June 2018 on the protection of animals and its implementing regulations specify the conditions to be respected in terms of the detention of animals to ensure their dignity, the protection of their life, their safety and their well-being. In addition, the law provides for criminal penalties in the event of violations of the legal requirements in force. Contraventions are punishable by a fine of €25 to €1,000. Offences are punishable by a prison sentence of eight days to three years and a fine of €251 to €200,000 or one of these penalties only.
ALVA recalled that any irregularity in terms of animal protection can be notified to its dedicated e-mail address: help@deier.lu.
More information on the law of 27 June 2018 on the protection of animals is available at: https://legilux.public.lu/eli/etat/leg/loi/2018/06/27/a537/jo.
