Criminal Code (StGB).

The Austrian Criminal Code, provides a comprehensive overview of criminal offenses related to financial misconduct, false representation, and reporting obligations within the Austrian legal framework, and damages to the environment. Chapter 7 of the Act provides for criminal acts against the environment including arson, intentional exposure to nuclear energy or ionizing radiation, illegal handling of substances that contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, harm to the environment, negligent damage to the environment, severe impairment due to noise, intentional environmentally hazardous treatment and disposal of waste, operating facilities in a way that endangers the environment, damage to animal or plant populations, and damage to habitats in protected areas. Section eleven of the Act provides for animal cruelty. The Act consists of 79 Articles divided into 7 Sections.
Under sections § 181f to § 182 of the law, intentional damage to animal or plant populations, including killing, possessing, or destroying protected species or their habitats, is punishable by imprisonment, with lesser penalties for minor infractions. Specifically, § 181f addresses the illegal destruction or removal of protected wild animal and plant species. Under sections § 181b to § 181d, intentional improper treatment and disposal of waste that endangers human health, animal or plant populations, or causes significant environmental damage can result in imprisonment. Under § 177d, intentional illegal handling of substances that contribute to ozone depletion, such as manufacturing, importing, exporting, marketing, or using these substances in violation of legal provisions or official orders, can result in imprisonment or fine.