48 cats of the torturous Ukrainian-Levkoy breed rescued in Berlin

The veterinary office in the Berlin district of Marzahn-Hellersdorf has rescued 48 cats of a torture breed from a two-room apartment. Some of the animals of the Ukrainian-Levkoy breed had severe physical impairments and breeding-related genetic defects, as the Marzahn-Hellersdorf district office announced on Thursday. Some of the animals were pregnant. The animal owner had resisted the official measures during the rescue operation last Saturday, which is why access to the apartment had to be forced with the support of the police. He was unable to provide any information on how many animals were living with him.

According to the authorities, the naked cats were distributed to voluntary foster homes in several federal states, where they are receiving veterinary care.

Owner faces "substantial fine"

"With the dissolution of this cattery, the last breeding of Ukrainian-Levkoy cats in Germany was probably stopped," explained the district office. The former owner was banned from keeping animals. The man also faces a "substantial fine". The owner was already known to the office, a spokesperson said. According to the authority, it had become aware of the animals because they were offered for sale on the internet.

The Ukrainian Levkoy cat is a cross between two breeds, both of which have torture breeding characteristics. The German Animal Welfare Association explains on its website that torturous breeding means that animals lead a life of pain and harm due to their bred characteristics. It is banned in Germany, as a spokesperson for the district office explained. Ukrainian-Levkoy cats have missing tactile hair and kinked ears. According to the district office, many of the animals also suffer from severe skeletal changes as well as deformed limbs and tails.

Unfortunately, there are always cases in which animals deliberately suffer lifelong restrictions and pain as a result of breeding, said Steffen Mehl, the district's official veterinarian. "In most cases, there are tangible financial interests of the 'breeders' behind this."