The German Animal Welfare Federation is calling for votes for the audience award for the German Animal Welfare Prize 2025. There are four particularly committed, award-worthy projects to choose from, which can be voted for online at www.tierschutzbund.de/publikumspreis from now until October 15. The winner will be announced on November 28 in Berlin at a festive gala and will receive the prize, which is endowed with 3,000 euros. In addition, the German Animal Welfare Award 2025 and prizes in the categories “Lifetime Achievement,” “Young Talent,” and “Voice for Animals” will be presented. The association is supported by the pet food brands Whiskas and Pedigree. This year marks the 21st anniversary of the German Animal Welfare Award.
“There are so many dedicated people who are passionate and creative in their commitment to animals, sacrificing their time, energy, and often money so that animals in our society can experience compassion and lead better lives,” says Thomas Schröder, president of the German Animal Welfare Federation and member of the jury. “All the nominees for the audience award are exemplary in our eyes. We want to highlight their commendable work and at the same time place the selection of this year's winner in the capable hands of the animal welfare community.”
From hundreds of submissions, the jury has selected four exemplary individuals, associations, and initiatives that are now in the running. These include Meerschweinchenhilfe e.V. in Baden-Württemberg, which has been committed to helping small pets for 25 years. The association operates a state-wide network of foster homes, mediates found and emergency cases, and provides comprehensive advice. With information stands, sponsorship models, and educational work, the team draws attention to the needs of guinea pigs and relieves the burden on animal shelters. Notfelle Niederrhein e.V. in North Rhine-Westphalia helps where love for cats reaches its financial limits. Since 2016, the cat protection association has been supporting cat owners on low incomes with a monthly animal food bank, covering the costs of neutering, identification and medical care, and looking after several foster homes. Politically, the association has successfully campaigned for compulsory neutering in the district of Viersen.
Steffi's Animal Welfare Association in Ringelsdorf, Saxony-Anhalt, has been caring for injured and sick hedgehogs for five years. Founder Stefanie Jaksch combines expertise, volunteer work, and educational activities in schools, kindergartens, and at information events to raise awareness of the threats to hedgehogs from habitat loss, insect shortages, and mowing robots. The fawn rescue organization Wir retten Rehkitze e.V. in Bavaria protects numerous young animals from being killed by mowers every year. With over 145 volunteers and modern drones, the association coordinates rescue operations in meadows and fields – free of charge for farmers. In addition to practical rescue work, the association focuses on intensive public relations work and is establishing a nationwide network for fawn protection.
