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Germany's Animal Welfare Advocates Push for Stricter Regulations Amidst Cruelty Concerns

Thousands of puppies bred in appalling conditions flood online platforms. Stricter regulations could help ease the strain on Germany's overwhelmed animal shelters.

This is a Collage picture of few animals among them few are cow, zebra, owl and few sculptures.
This is a Collage picture of few animals among them few are cow, zebra, owl and few sculptures.

Germany's Animal Welfare Advocates Push for Stricter Regulations Amidst Cruelty Concerns

Animal welfare advocates in Germany are pushing for stricter regulations, including mandatory neutering of stray cats and a ban on transporting animals to non-EU countries. This comes amidst concerns over the treatment of animals in the country.

Every month, an estimated 17,000 to 20,000 puppies appear on online platforms, many bred under appalling conditions. Germany's 1,400 animal shelters are struggling with overcrowding, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A recent case involved Jimmy, a critically endangered white-handed gibbon. He was rescued from a small cage, forced to wear a diaper, and was set to be sold for around €13,000 on the black market. PETA activist Jana Hoger posed as a customer to tip off police about his handover. Germany's legal loopholes allow such sales of smuggled exotic animals.

Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer faces criticism for denying the link between climate protection and meat consumption. Despite the new government's promise of €80 million for animal shelters, none has been allocated in the 2025 budget. Meanwhile, the target of 30% organic agriculture by 2030 is at risk, with only 11.5% achieved by the end of 2024.

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