"ALDI South's decision to gradually remove meat from the lowest animal welfare category 1 from its product range is an important first step and should be welcomed. It shows that retailers are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility for animal welfare. This makes it all the more important to remove products from category 2, which also violates animal welfare standards, from the shelves as quickly as possible. This meat comes from the same closed barn systems without outdoor access and with only slightly more space for the animals. ALDI South, but also all other retailers and discounters, should take consistent action here.
ALDI South's decision also shows once again that the German government is on the wrong track with its plan for a state animal welfare label. The housing systems classified as ‘Stall’ or ‘Stall+Space’, which correspond to housing systems 1 and 2, respectively, must not be certified by the state and thus legitimized. They have no future. What is needed are binding political framework conditions and a genuine transformation of agricultural animal husbandry – towards systems that truly meet the needs of the animals."
