In 2025, several important developments have emerged in German animal law, reflecting growing concern for animal welfare and stronger legal protections. A major focus is the planned amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, although political shifts have delayed its progress.
Planned Amendment to the Animal Welfare Act
The German government has proposed a draft for revising the Animal Welfare Act, which includes several key reforms:
- Ban on “torture breeding” (Qualzucht): The prohibition would extend to animals suffering from hereditary conditions such as respiratory problems or blindness.
- Ban on tethered housing: General prohibition on tethering animals, with some exceptions for specific cattle farming systems.
- Mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses: Installation of video monitoring in animal welfare-relevant areas of slaughterhouses.
- Ban on certain procedures: Prohibition of tail docking in lambs and disbudding of calves without anesthesia.
- Regulations for circuses: Ban on acquiring new wild animals like elephants or big cats for circus use.
These reforms aim to update animal protection laws based on current scientific knowledge and ethical standards.
(Source: bundestag.de)
Tax Exemption for Assistance Dogs
Starting in 2025, certified assistance dogs are exempt from dog taxes. This includes professionally trained animals that support people with disabilities, such as guide dogs or signal dogs. The move fulfills longstanding demands from disability rights and animal welfare advocates.
(Source: edogs.de)
Demands from Animal Welfare Organizations
The German Animal Welfare Federation has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the Animal Welfare Act to ensure better legal protection for animals. Key demands include:
- Clear definition and expansion of the ban on torture breeding
- Complete ban on tethered cattle housing
- Total prohibition of amputations, even for livestock and hunting dogs
These proposals seek to better implement animal protection as a constitutional goal in Germany.
(Source: tierschutzbund.de)
Political Debate and Criticism
The draft reform has sparked political debate. Some parties demand more ambitious changes, while others argue the proposal goes too far. The issue of banning tethered cattle housing remains particularly controversial. Animal welfare groups are urging a full implementation of the proposed reforms to significantly reduce animal suffering.
(Source: bundestag.de)
These developments show that animal law in Germany remains a dynamic area where legislation and public expectations are deeply intertwined.