On May 27, the Austrian parliament unanimously approved one of Europe\’s toughest animal protection laws.

Among other things, the new Austrian law: bans confining chickens to small cages; outlaws the use of wild animals, such as lions, in circuses; makes it illegal to restrain dogs with chains, choke collars or invisible fences that administer mild electrical shocks; makes it illegal for dog owners to clip their pets\’ ears or tails; and makes it illegal to bind cattle with ropes.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said the law set a \”pioneering example\” for the rest of the world and said that he would press the European Union to adopt similar legislation.

Source:

Austria enacts strict animal rights laws. William J. Kole, Associated Press, May 27, 2004.