Plight of the rescued dogs: A stressful life in a flat instead of freedom | The Star

"It's a rescue." That's something you hear more and more in Germany when the proud dog owner turned saviour answers a question as to their dog's origins.

Around 25% of the approximately 10.5 million dogs in Germany are now believed to have been imported from abroad – a realistic estimate, according to Lea Schmitz from the German Animal Welfare Association.

Lucky for the poor dogs, you might think. But for some four-legged friends, experts say, their supposed rescue means a stressful life in a flat instead of lifelong freedom – or even ending up in a shelter.

In addition, criminals have discovered the lucrative brokerage market for themselves: Dogs that are supposedly in need of help are bred specifically for this market.

One person who has observed many street dogs closely over the years and spoken to people in their environment is dog trainer Sarah Fink.

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