EARLY-AGE CASTRATION OF DOGS AND CATS UND ER ASPECTS OF ANIMAL-WELFARE

The castration of dogs and cats is regulated in 6 of the German Law fo r Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (Tierschutzgesetz) dated February 1 7, 1993. Gonadectomy in juvenile and prepuberal as well as in adult ve rtebrates is only permitted by law in case of a medical indication or a special using of the animal. On account of his special knowledge, th e Veterinarian is made responsible by law for the estimation of the in dispensibility and for the performance of castration. As early-age cas tration means usually the surgical removal of healthy gonads from a he althy organism, it is principally forbidden by law at present. The bil l of June 30, 1995 points to the legitimation of castration for contra ception. This does, however, not dispense the veterinarian from decidi ng in each individual case under consideration of unwanted side effect s and consequences that can be caused by castration and early-age cast ration, respectively.