On the occasion of International Animal Protection Day on October 4, the Austrian Armed Forces emphasizes the importance of animal protection for its 227 animals, including horses, donkeys, military dogs and even bees.
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasizes the army's high level of responsibility for the appropriate care, training and veterinary care of animals. These four-legged animals play a central role in operations, particularly in difficult terrain conditions and in supporting soldiers.
The Hochfilzen pack animal center currently houses 58 horses and donkeys that support the army in operations in the low and high mountains. The Kaisersteinbruch military dog center has 161 service dogs in use and training, including Rottweilers, German shepherds and Labradors. In addition, soldiers in some barracks look after honey bees, which also make an important contribution to environmental protection.