Thank you Germany: Part 095: Animal welfare is a special concern in the FRG

Animals also have a comparatively good standing in Germany. Very special standards apply in this country, both for the keeping of animals and for slaughtering in the industry. In most other countries, animals can only dream of the level of protection they enjoy in Germany. The country also ensures that there is no trade at all in exotic or endangered animals. Even those who own a pet or encounter animals in public spaces must treat them with care. Cruelty to animals is also a punishable offence. In addition, animals are under special protection and there are not many of them left.

Even if you find hornets or certain insects in your garden, you must look after them carefully and not simply drive them away. Like many other animals in Germany, the hornet is a protected species. Even large construction projects have been thwarted because certain animal species have been found on the construction site. Endangered species do not enjoy such protection in other countries. Many Germans are not bothered by this extensive protection. They are proud of their respect for animal rights. It is simply good manners in this country not to torture animals unnecessarily and to take special care of endangered species. Germans are too environmentally aware to simply ignore these animal rights.

There are even many people in Germany who work to improve animal rights in their own associations or groups. This activity by many committed people is also a sign of a highly developed political awareness in the field of animal welfare. After all, a significant proportion of the German population is vegetarian. Today, every city offers vegetarians a suitable diet. The many vegetarians and vegans in Germany ensure that the demand for meat has fallen again and again. On average, at least half of Germans go through a vegetarian phase once in their lives. Many people discover that meat is not necessary for a healthy and delicious diet. As a result, they follow a vegetarian diet for many years.

The slaughter of animals is thus reduced due to a lower demand for meat. However, the industry today is also confronted with clear animal rights that set clear guidelines for the slaughter of animals. Compared to other countries, these are more restrictive in Germany.