Update on the VDH Trial

As most of you know, the VDH and the breed clubs financed a lawsuit on behalf of 90 handpicked breeders/pet owners, filed in the highest court in Germany, the Constitutional Court.  (Rudi and I are one of the 90 claimants) German law forbids clubs from suing, so by a process of elimination, they picked 90 plaintiffs who have imported or exported dogs into and out-of Germany.
The lawsuit was filed in protest against the import ban of the Am. Staff, Staffie and Bull Terrier and a protest against the fact that our personal rights were taken away (in not being able to breed the type of dog we want).  

These were the two main points and they pushed for a quick decision (something common in Germany).  They were hoping the quick decision would be rendered, which would make the current laws and ordinances in Germany invalid...until their final decision came down in written form some 6-8 months later.

Just before Christmas, the court ruled that it would not make a quick decision in this case, as the safety of the public comes before the rights of dog owners and breeders.  We were told we may be waiting up to two years before a final decision is reached.

Last week, we were notified, that the Const. Court has requested from each of Germanys 16 regions (from the Min. Presidents offices on down to anyone connected with the dog issues), to send to the court their reasons for banning certain breeds.  They have until March 15 to do so.
As this indicates neither for or against us...it does give me hope that at least the court is not sitting on their 'duff' for the next two years before having to make a decision.

We know from several court trials, that the only evidence some regions used was literature and personal experiences....it is very interesting to Rudi and I exactly what they will come up with this time.

Will keep you all informed.
Regards,
Cathie

Staffords.co.uk / K.C.Liaison / Gemany