Tasks of the Ombuds Office for Animal Protection of the City of Vienna

• Service centre providing information and documentation on the current state of legislation, jurisprudence and the enforcement of the Austrian Animal Protection Act and other regulations relating to animal welfare and animal husbandry.
• Mediation when problems arise and finding solutions that assure the responsible and appropriate treatment of animals.
• Promotion of animal-friendly consumer behaviour. In constant dialogue with experts, producers and distributors the Ombuds Office therefore provides objective information on animal welfare friendly products.
• Preparation of basic information and concepts to support political decision-makers and the departments and offices of the Vienna City Administration in making informed decisions. The Ombuds Office also provides recommendations based on these materials.
• Encouraging the promotion of scientific research in the area of animal welfare and call for faster and better action based on the research results, incorporating them into practical animal protection measures.
• Evaluation of draft laws and regulations from an animal welfare viewpoint.
• Annual activity report to the Vienna Provincial Government.
• Locus standi in all legal procedures concerning animal rights, ensuring that animals are treated and kept according to their needs and appropriate to their species. The Ombuds Office also ensures the welfare of animals at events and in TV and film productions.
• Cooperation with institutions concerned with animal welfare within the city administration and with external organisations.
• Monitoring of the development of animal welfare legislation in the European Union, building and participating in (international) networks.
• Representation of the Province of Vienna in the Animal Protection Council. This council of experts has, among others, the following duties: to advise the legislature regarding animal protection issues, to develop guidelines for the uniform enforcement of the Animal Protection Act in all federal provinces, and to monitor its enforcement.
• Forum for anyone interested in animal welfare to participate in improving the situation for animals, our fellow creatures.