On September 26, the Federal Council will decide, among other things, on the motion “Federal Council resolution to ensure animal welfare during animal transport and the export of farm animals to third countries” from North Rhine-Westphalia, on which the German Animal Welfare Federation had already commented in a press release in July. However, the amendments proposed by the leading Agriculture Committee are not sufficient to ensure the protection of animals. Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation, comments:
"The changes made to the motion since the last Bundesrat debate are purely cosmetic and do not solve the problem. For years, it has been repeatedly documented that animals suffer from extreme cramped conditions, heat, thirst, and hunger during transport to third countries – many do not survive this ordeal. This reality will not disappear with vague wording and non-binding commitments.
It is morally unacceptable for Germany to formally withdraw from its responsibility as soon as the animals are unloaded in the destination country. Slaughter without anesthesia and the treatment of animals in a manner contrary to animal welfare are unacceptable to many people in Germany – yet animals are knowingly transported to such conditions. Even a positive list or a signed note from the third country are mere placebos if they cannot be effectively controlled and enforced. In this way, politicians are shirking responsibility and maintaining the status quo.
We call on the Bundesrat to stop hiding behind the EU and to speak out in favor of a national ban on the transport of live animals to third countries."
