In a world where we cherish our furry companions as family, the recent revelations about the Balihara Ranch kennel are nothing short of devastating.
The owner of the Balihara Ranch kennel recently proudly shared a Facebook post celebrating an “excellent” result from a veterinary inspection of her kennel, claiming an excellent result without any comments or recommendations. She proudly shared a photo of the official record, highlighting its title “Planned inspection aimed at the inspection of the breeding facility.” This was an annual mandatory inspection, one she could have meticulously prepared for to ensure a favorable outcome. But beneath this facade of transparency lies a troubling reality.
source: facebook.com
The breeder only shared the first page of the inspection report, conveniently ending with the words, “During the official veterinary inspection, the following was found:” The actual findings remain hidden, leaving us to question what she might be concealing. Moreover, she obscured the kennel’s addresses on the document, perhaps to avoid unplanned visits from potential puppy buyers or concerned animal lovers.
Let’s delve deeper into the inspection she is so proud of
The inspection was conducted under Act 39/2007 of the Slovak Legal Code, which broadly covers animal care, cruelty prevention, veterinary care, and administrative duties. More specifically, Decree 283/2020, an implementing regulation of the aforementioned law, governs the protection of companion animals, particularly §4 – Special requirements for the protection of dogs and their breeding facilities.
Wording of §4:
Article (1) §4: A dog must be able to see and hear what is happening in its kennel and its surrounding environment, and it must be able to communicate with the surrounding environment.
Note: If a dog is confined in a cage with mesh all day, from which it can see and hear its surroundings, this condition is met.
Article (2) §4: A dog must be provided with opportunities to meet its exercise requirements, taking into account its size and temperament.
Note: This refers to the potential for movement, not a guarantee. So, if the dog has more space behind the kennel, the condition is met, even if it remains confined all day.
Article (3) §4: A dog may be kept on a chain or other means of tying (hereinafter referred to as “the chain”) only for the time necessary to ensure the protection of human life or health, the life or health of animals, property or to ensure its well-being, especially during feeding, cleaning of the breeding area, investigation or treatment and in accordance with the requirements according to paragraphs 4 to 6; a bitch in the last third of her pregnancy, a lactating bitch, a sick dog or a puppy under six months of age can only be kept on a chain for the time necessary to ensure their well-being and during this time the dog must be under control.
Note: The law permits keeping a dog on a chain for a short period, but it does not clearly define what “necessary time” means. Under this interpretation, even an entire day could be considered necessary.
Article (4) §4: A dog kept on a chain must be allowed free movement on a daily basis without being tied, in accordance with the requirements under paragraph 2.
Note: Again, this is an option, not an obligation.
Article (5) §4: A dog tied to a chain must have a wide enough collar with an adjustable girth, and the weight of the chain must be adapted to the size and weight of the dog to prevent breathing difficulties and the collar cutting into the skin or damaging its health. If the dog’s chain is attached in a movable way to the guide wire, the dog must be able to move along the guide wire at a length of at least 5 m and to at least 2 m in both directions. If the chain is attached in another way, it must be at least four times the length of the dog’s body measured from the tip of the nose to the buttock, but at least 2.5 m, it must be equipped with two swivel pins to prevent the chain from shortening due to knots, and it must be fixed and positioned so that does not wrap around an obstacle in the dog’s running area.
Note: This point states the minimum requirements for the dog’s movement space on the chain, which are absurdly insufficient.
Article (6) §4: The method of fastening the chain must allow the dog to move at least on the surface according to Annex no. 3 and shelter in an easily accessible shelter with protection against adverse weather, especially against rain, frost and direct sunlight.
Note: The area from Annex 3 is explained in the next point. One Greater Swiss Mountain Dog/Bernese Mountain Dog needs 6m² in the chain, Appenzeller/Entlebucher even 5m². Thus, the decree allows keeping a dog on a chain in an area much smaller than the bathroom.
Article (7) §4: The free area of the kennel for the dog depends on the size of the dog and the number of dogs bred or kept in the kennel. The free area of the kennel is a bounded area or an available area that allows the dog to move freely; the area of the kennel and the area under other obstacles firmly connected to the floor or wall of the kennel or under another fixed part of the kennel that interferes with the dog’s living space are not included in the free area. The smallest free area of the kennel for the dog corresponds to the area specified in Annex no. 3. The height of the dog pen must be at least twice the height at the withers of the tallest dog placed in the pen, but at least 1 m. If the kennel is not closed from above, its height must be chosen in such a way that it prevents the dog from escaping from the kennel.
Annex 3 – Minimum requirements for the free area of the dog pen
| Number of dogs *) | Average weight of a dog Free area of the pen (m2) | |||||
| Up to 5 kg | 5 – 10 kg | 10 – 20 kg | 20 – 30 kg | 30 – 50 kg | 50 kg or more | |
| 1 | 3,5 | 4 | 4,5 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 2 | 3,5 | 4,5 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 5,5 | 7 | 10 | 11 |
| 4 | 4,5 | 5 | 6,5 | 9 | 12 | 13 |
| 5 | 4,5 | 6 | 7,5 | 11 | 14 | 15 |
| 6 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 17 |
| every additional dog | + 0,5 | + 1 | + 1,5 | + 2 | + 2 | + 2,5 |
*) A mother with a litter of puppies under six weeks of age is considered as 1 animal.
Note: The law allows you to have six Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs or Bernese Mountain Dogs and even seven Entlebuchers or Appenzellers in a 15-16m² dog enclosure, which is about the size of a small children’s room! Note that a mother with a litter of puppies under 6 weeks of age is considered 1 animal. Unfortunately, it is not a joke.
Article (8) §4: A dog bred or kept in a kennel must be allowed to move freely outside the kennel area on a daily basis in accordance with the requirements according to paragraph 2.
Note: Again, this is a possibility, not a guarantee and not controllable.
Article (9) §4: Dogs bred or kept in kennels in a group must form a homogeneous group, especially from the point of view of temperament, size, tolerance and food requirements.
Note: If you keep dozens of dogs of the same or similar breeds, such as Swiss Mountain Dogs, you meet the condition.
Article (10) §4: A dog bred or kept in an outdoor kennel must have free access to enclosed spaces connected to the kennel or to a suitable kennel located in the kennel or connected to the kennel. The outdoor kennel must provide the dog with sufficient protection from adverse weather, especially rain, frost and direct sunlight, and must be properly drained.
Note: It is sufficient to have a pen in which there is a dog kennel.
Conclusion
The law in Slovakia, along with the decree, establishes such favorable rules for dog breeding that any responsible breeder who cares for their dogs can easily comply with them without much effort. A conscientious breeder would be embarrassed to boast about passing inspections that permit keeping dogs chained or confined in small pens. Yet, the Balihara Ranch owner flaunts her inspection results for public relations, deceiving her uninformed audience with a meaningless official document. She proudly claims to comply with all veterinary regulations from the point of view of the law. Tragically, our findings and evidence reveal that her practices are far from ethical or responsible breeding.
One thing remains heartbreakingly clear: the true conditions at Balihara Ranch are still cloaked in mystery. In our next blog article, we will reveal the shocking results of the veterinary inspection of the Balihara Ranch kennel, shedding light on the unsettling reality.
In addition, imagine the lives of the dogs behind Balihara Ranch kennel doors. Are they receiving the love and care they deserve, or are they merely commodities in a profit-driven operation? The thought of these loyal, loving creatures suffering in silence is unbearable. As animal lovers, we must demand accountability and transparency to ensure that every kennel operates with the highest standards of care and compassion. Let us not turn a blind eye to the potential suffering of these animals. Together, we can advocate for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and support ethical breeders who prioritize the well-being of their dogs. Our beloved pets depend on us to be their voice. Let’s make sure it’s heard loud and clear.
Disclaimer: This article is based on freely available information or verified information provided to us that we can prove and do not intend to accuse or defame any individual or organization. It is always recommended to do thorough research before purchasing a puppy from any breeder.