Germany will have stricter animal welfare laws. Keeping or exhibiting wild animals such as elephants, monkeys, giraffes or hippos “at varying locations” should be prohibited. Traveling circuses may keep their current animals, but will no longer be allowed to purchase new ones.
The trade and breeding of pets is also subject to stricter rules, and violations carry higher fines. For example, killing an animal without 'reasonable cause' is punishable by five years in prison instead of three years in case of repeat offense. For attempts to abuse or kill an animal, the fine should be increased from 25,000 euros to a maximum of 50,000 euros.
Animal protection group Four Paws criticized "numerous shortcomings and gaps" in the plans and a watering down of key projects such as the ban on tethered animals. The consumer organization Foodwatch accused BMEL minister Cem Özdemir of giving in to the farmers' lobby.
It is true that a number of common practices in livestock farming are being banned or must meet new requirements. However, in most cases there will not be a total ban, but exceptions will still be allowed. That is not good enough for German animal rights activists.
In the future, clipping the tails of lambs will be prohibited, but for piglets this will be permitted in individual cases with guidelines.
In principle, the tethering of livestock should mean that an animal may not be kept tethered. In southern Germany, a 'combination attitude' should remain possible for small dairy farmers. Tying up dairy cows in stables all year round will not be banned for another ten years at the latest.
Originally, only a five-year transition period was planned. BEL Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) spoke about a compromise to combine more animal protection with nature and species protection on alpine meadows and mountain meadows.