Protection of Animals and Fight Against Organized Begging with Animals in Luxembourg

Public petition n°3921

Petitioner: Tiago Jorge Rodrigues De Oliveira

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We draw the attention to a serious and well-documented problem, the mistreatment of animals in the context of organized begging, often linked to criminal networks. This petition aims to: - strengthen the protection of animals used for begging - combat networks that exploit animals - implement concrete measures for monitoring, sanctioning, and caring for the affected animals It does not target homeless persons who own a dog, but exclusively criminal networks or people that exploit animals, without penalizing vulnerable individuals.

In many cities across the country, dogs are used for begging in unacceptable conditions. They remain immobile for hours, appear sedated or drugged, cannot move freely or relieve themselves, and are often poorly fed. Consistent testimonies report dogs being exchanged, replaced, or disappearing after a few days, indicating repeated and structured organization. Some networks also use other animals, such as rabbits, for begging purposes. Despite numerous reports, concrete interventions remain rare, leaving these animals in prolonged suffering. This situation is a matter of public interest, affecting animal welfare, public safety, and the fight against organized crime. To address this problem, the citizens signing this petition propose the following measures: 1. Legal Reinforcement Introduce targeted sanctions against animal mistreatment related to organized begging and clarify legal responsibilities in cases of negligence or abuse. 2. Strengthened Controls Increase police and veterinary inspections in affected areas, with the possibility of testing when the animals' condition suggests the use of substances. 3. Protection of Seized Animals Establish temporary facilities to receive, care for, and rehabilitate seized animals, aiming for responsible adoption. 4. Regulated Begging Implement a system of daily permits for begging, including street musicians and animals, with strict welfare rules and defined time schedules. 5. Respect for Animals for All Even though this petition primarily targets criminal networks, no citizen has the right to mistreat an animal, regardless of their social situation. The law must apply to everyone. Luxembourgish legislation already prohibits begging involving minors and penalizes organized exploitation of persons. This petition seeks to complement the existing framework by reinforcing the fight against animal mistreatment in the context of organized begging. The proposed measures are intended as solutions. If some actions are not immediately feasible, this does not invalidate the petition. The goal is to open a constructive dialogue to find a sustainable solution to the problem of organized begging associated with animal suffering.