By Canadian Press

German town defends seizing family’s pet, selling it on eBay

Feb 28, 2019 | 12:55 PM

BERLIN — Officials in Germany are defending their decision to seize an indebted family’s pet pug and sell it on eBay, saying the move was a last resort because authorities were unable to find anything else to take.

The incident in the western town of Ahlen prompted criticism on social media from people who felt the decision to take away the family’s beloved dog was heartless.

German news agency dpa on Thursday quoted Ahlen’s treasurer, Dirk Schlebes, as saying the seizure was legal and only happened after other nonessential household goods had been taken.

The family in question had allegedly failed to pay its debts to the town, including a dog tax. The pug, called Edda, was sold online for 750 euros ($854).

FATAL CRASH

25-year-old Calgary woman killed in Christmas Eve highway crash

21h ago

Knitting group

Knit and Natter group work their needles and hooks with love

Dec 27, 2024

Dazzling Lights

Family tradition; Klassen connects the community through Christmas

Dec 25, 2024

The Associated Press