The German Animal Welfare Federation and its affiliated state animal welfare associations are urgently appealing to the state premiers to make urgently needed investments in local animal shelters. The necessary funds are to come from the federal government's special infrastructure and climate neutrality fund, from which €100 billion has been flowing to states and municipalities since October 13. The aim of the fund is to strengthen key infrastructure projects in Germany, which also include animal shelters.
“Practical animal welfare in Germany is on the verge of collapse. At the same time, the federal government is launching the largest investment program in the history of the Federal Republic with the special fund. This presents a unique opportunity to modernize animal shelters and ensure sustainable animal welfare at the local level,” says Thomas Schröder, president of the German Animal Welfare Federation.
Animal shelters are indispensable
Animal shelters perform key tasks on behalf of the public sector: they take care of stray and confiscated animals, thereby fulfilling a municipal duty. In addition, they also take in animals whose owners can no longer or no longer wish to care for them. Animal shelters are therefore an indispensable part of public services and were recognized by the federal government as part of critical infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial situation of many facilities dramatic
However, the financial situation of many facilities is dramatic. Decades of investment backlog have been massively exacerbated by the burdens of recent years. Inflation resulting from the war in Ukraine has depleted reserves, while increased energy costs, the reform of veterinary fees, and the increase in animal surcharges following the pandemic are putting additional pressure on animal shelters. Without targeted investment, many facilities will no longer be able to cope with the increasing demands on staff and space.
“If, even with an investment of 100 billion euros, no funds are made available for animal shelters, this would send a disastrous signal to animal welfare activists in Germany—and could, in the worst case, lead to the collapse of practical animal welfare,” warns Schröder.
