Request counselling on animal welfare

Animal welfare means the individual protection of every animal, regardless of whether it lives in the wild or is kept in human care. This includes species-appropriate husbandry and the protection of animals during transport and slaughter.

Voluntary animal welfare work is an important pillar of animal protection. Animal welfare associations deserve special mention here. The majority of animal welfare associations belong to the umbrella organisation of the German Animal Welfare Federation and operate an animal shelter or animal rescue centre. Citizens also have the option of placing their pets in a boarding kennel

while on holiday or in case of illness. The state provides financial support for animal welfare projects. In addition to promoting construction measures to improve conditions in animal shelters, it also supports projects that serve to improve animal welfare and particularly animal-friendly conditions, as well as the public recognition of outstanding initiatives and achievements in the field of animal welfare. Applications for funding can be found at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Department 65, Animal Welfare.

Official veterinarians carry out regular and targeted monitoring and investigate complaints and reports of animal welfare violations. They initiate fine proceedings or impose conditions on those responsible in order to remedy abuses.