HORAK. · GERMAN & EUROPEAN ANIMAL LAW
Animal law in Germany.
Clear advice for businesses and owners.
Animal law, feed regulation and veterinary matters in Germany and the European Union. We help businesses, veterinary practices, organisations and animal owners turn complex legal questions into a practical course of action.
Explore our 16 areas of advice ↓
English-speaking legal advice · Hannover head office · Offices across Germany
Advice organised around you
Businesses
Legal advice for feed companies, breeders, farms, equine businesses, shelters, associations and animal health suppliers. We connect commercial contracts with the regulatory requirements that affect your day-to-day operations.
Veterinary Medicine
Advice for veterinary practices and clinics, manufacturers, distributors and animal owners. Treatment disputes, practice operations, medicines and technical products each require a distinct legal assessment.
Animal Owners
Practical advice on purchasing an animal, liability, veterinary treatment, insurance and official restrictions. Whether the animal is a dog, cat, horse or another species, the facts and your legal role determine the next step.
FIND THE RIGHT STARTING POINT
What do you need to resolve?
A product launch, an inspection, a transaction or a dispute: choose the issue closest to yours. Each guide explains the legal framework, practical steps and documents that help us assess your position.
01
Feed & pet food law
From a new pet food range to an official inspection: resolve classification, composition, labelling and distribution questions before they disrupt your business.
02
Veterinary medicines
Legal support for veterinary product development, authorisation, manufacturing, distribution, advertising and post-market obligations in Germany and the EU.
03
Veterinary devices & diagnostics
Classify equipment, diagnostic tests, software and animal health technology correctly before making performance or compliance claims.
04
Veterinary practices & clinics
Advice for veterinarians, practice owners and investors on professional requirements, transactions, employment and the daily operation of a veterinary business.
05
Livestock, farming & aquaculture
Practical legal support for livestock businesses, farms and aquaculture operators facing regulatory requirements, disease controls and commercial disputes.
06
Transport, imports & exports
Plan animal movements, cross-border sales and rescue transfers around the applicable welfare, health, documentation and customs requirements.
07
Animal welfare & regulatory inspections
Advice on welfare duties, inspection findings, corrective orders, animal removal and restrictions on keeping animals.
08
Breeders, shelters & animal businesses
Licensing, contracts and governance for breeders, shelters, rescue organisations, boarding businesses, trainers and animal-related associations.
09
Equine businesses & horse law
Contracts and dispute resolution for horse sales, breeding, livery yards, riding schools, trainers and equestrian organisations.
10
Brands, innovation & advertising
Protect animal health technology and brands, review product claims and respond to competitor challenges.
11
Wildlife, zoos & animal research
Specialist regulatory issues involving protected species, zoological facilities, research animals and the interfaces with hunting and conservation law.
12
Disputes, injunctions & defence
Choose the right route for a commercial claim, regulatory order, urgent application, fine or criminal allegation involving animals.
13
Animal sales & purchase disputes
Draft workable animal sale agreements and assess claims concerning health, agreed characteristics, non-payment or a failed transaction.
14
Animal liability & insurance
Assess injury and property-damage claims involving animals, including accidents, business risks and disputed insurance cover.
15
Veterinary negligence & treatment disputes
Evaluate allegations of veterinary negligence, diagnostic errors and deficient pre-purchase examinations using the clinical record and independent expertise.
16
Dog orders, keeping & neighbour disputes
Practical advice on dangerous-dog classifications, leash and muzzle orders, keeping restrictions and disputes involving homes and neighbours.
German law. European regulation. Practical representation.
Animal-related matters rarely fit one legal category. Feed and veterinary products bring regulatory duties and commercial contracts together. Animal welfare cases can involve administrative orders, civil claims and criminal allegations at the same time. We identify those connections at the outset.
01
Define the issue
Send the documents, relevant parties and any deadline. We check conflicts and identify the applicable jurisdiction.
02
Agree the approach
We explain options, evidence, likely procedural steps and fees, then agree the scope of the engagement.
03
Take the next step
This may be a contract review, authority response, negotiated solution or court application, with priorities agreed with you.
The people behind the advice
Our attorneys and patent attorneys work across disputes, regulation, commercial matters and intellectual property. Your matter is allocated according to its legal and technical requirements.
Insights from our animal law team
Recent developments and selected case reviews, with the practical issues explained.
2026-11-08
Medicated feed in 2026: homogeneity and cross-contamination
How the Commission’s 2026 guidance relates to homogeneity and cross-contamination controls in medicated feed production.
2026-11-08
Veterinary product information: preparing for January 2027
Product-information planning for veterinary medicine authorisation holders ahead of the January 2027 transition deadline.
2026-11-08
Animal transport in 2026: current duties and proposed reform
A practical distinction between existing animal transport duties and proposed reform, with priorities for transport businesses.
2026-11-08
EU dog and cat welfare: planning for the new framework
What breeders, sellers and shelters should examine when planning for the new EU dog and cat welfare framework, including the distinction between adoption and application dates.
2026-11-08 · Retrospective
2016 case review: gross veterinary treatment errors
A review of the 2016 veterinary negligence case and the evidential questions raised by gross treatment errors.
2026-11-08 · Retrospective
2022 reform review: the EU veterinary medicines framework
A retrospective on the EU veterinary medicines framework introduced in 2022 and its significance for product businesses and veterinary practices.
Working with clients across Germany
Hannover is our head office. We also have offices in Berlin, Bielefeld, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Stuttgart. Advice can be arranged in English, including for cross-border matters with a German or EU-law connection.
Discuss your matter
Send a short description, the parties involved and any deadline. We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before starting work. For urgent matters, telephone our office as well.