Animal welfare is enshrined as a national objective in the German Basic Law and serves to protect the life and well-being of animals. The assessment of animal welfare is at the heart of animal welfare monitoring.
Animal welfare monitoring in agricultural and commercial operations
Regular inspections are carried out at agricultural livestock farms, animal transporters and their vehicles, pet shops, circuses, riding and driving establishments, animal boarding facilities and slaughterhouses, etc. The assessment of construction projects,
animal husbandry and husbandry systems, and the granting and monitoring of permits are also part of the remit.Inspection of private animal husbandry
In particular, complaints from citizens are brought to the attention of the specialist service, including reports of animal neglect, inappropriate animal husbandry, lack of social contact, insufficient species-appropriate exercise or failure to provide veterinary treatment. Complaints are dealt with promptly so that any deficiencies identified can be remedied.
However, in some cases there is a discrepancy between the ideal conditions and the minimum requirements prescribed by law.Transport controls
In addition to the authorisation of transport companies and the issuing of certificates of competence in the area of responsibility, the suitability of the means of transport and loading, the floor space and standing height, the transportability of the animals and their care are checked before the dispatch of animal transports, and a document check, including the logbook, is also carried out.
Animal welfare during slaughter
According to Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Slaughter Ordinance, anyone who looks after, restrains, stuns, slaughters or kills animals must have the necessary expertise to do so. For this reason, domestic slaughterers in particular have been informed and requested to submit an application for a certificate of competence on the basis of Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009.