Germany is a hotspot for the trade in exotic animals. With a current legal opinion, six animal and species protection organizations show that better protection of wild animals is urgently needed and can also be legally implemented in the form of a positive list for pets and a general ban on wild animals in circuses. The report was presented yesterday at a parliamentary evening in front of federal and state representatives.
“Germany is still turning a blind eye to animal suffering in the living room and in the circus ring. This results in an avalanche of subsequent problems. The positive list for pets is a tried and tested solution,” explains Patrick Müller, Head of Policy in Germany at Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP).
The measures planned so far for the amendment of the Animal Welfare Act do not go far enough: animal welfare standards could hardly be controlled and enforced with them. A positive list for pets and a ban on wild animals in circuses, on the other hand, would get to the root of the problem. The abuses could finally be tackled effectively. Under the patronage of MP Anke Hennig, animal welfare spokesperson for the SPD parliamentary group, and MP Dr. Zoe Mayer, rapporteur for animal welfare for the Green parliamentary group, experts discussed the problems of exotic pets and wild animals in circuses - and their solutions - at the parliamentary evening.
The legal opinion presented dispels doubts about the legal feasibility of both measures. “The legal opinion makes it clear that a positive list for pets and a ban on wild animals in circuses are not only legally possible, but even necessary,” explains Evelyn Ofensberger, Head of Legal Affairs and Legislation at the German Animal Welfare Federation. “If Germany takes its duty of care and its national goal of animal welfare seriously, the introduction of these measures is a necessary step.”
Germany is an international hotspot in the wildlife trade
Germany has a sadly leading role in the global trade in exotic pets, emphasizes Katharina Lameter, Project Manager at Pro Wildlife. “It is unacceptable for Germany to shirk its responsibility when it comes to such a central problem area for animal welfare, species conservation, the environment, health and safety in Europe.” The risks resulting from the trade and keeping of exotic animals are manifold.
Other EU countries are far ahead of Germany and have already introduced positive lists for certain animal groups, and the vast majority of EU countries have restrictions on wild animals in circuses. Germany is lagging behind and must finally implement effective animal and species protection. The legal opinion presented shows that the introduction of a positive list and a ban on wild animals in circuses are the appropriate means.
Circus tents and living rooms - no home for exotic animals
“Other countries show us how it's done: The abuse of animals in and around the circus ring must stop.” To end this animal suffering, a ban on keeping wild animals in circuses is long overdue,” demands Peter Höffken, Head of Campaigns at PETA Germany. “A ban on wild animals is not only necessary, but is also supported by the majority of citizens,” says Thomas Pietsch, wildlife expert at FOUR PAWS International. “It is high time for the German government to take a consistent approach to animal welfare in the circus tent.”
Exotic animals are not domesticated - and therefore not made for life in the living room or in the circus ring. Even benevolent owners are quickly overwhelmed by their demands. The animals often escape or are abandoned - posing a risk not only to humans but also to the environment. Robert Kless, Regional Representative for Germany and Europe of the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), therefore calls for: “We must finally take preventative action in order to effectively protect species and nature. With a positive list, we are setting the course today for the conservation of biodiversity worldwide.”
The organizations unanimously make it clear: “Animal welfare must not remain lip service. If it is to be implemented effectively, the current version of the amendment to the Animal Welfare Act is just a drop in the ocean. The positive list and the ban on wild animals in circuses are needed to tackle the problems surrounding the trade and keeping of exotic pets in the long term. The MPs now have it in their hands and must negotiate these important animal welfare projects into the Animal Welfare Act.”
