The German Animal Welfare Federation has launched a scathing critique of Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir’s performance, just days before the opening of Berlin’s Green Week agricultural trade fair. Federation President Thomas Schröder accused the government of demonstrating a complete lack of animal welfare policy, labeling its efforts thus far a “zero-sum balance.
Schröder’s criticism extends beyond the current administration, arguing that previous governments had already proven disappointing and that the present course of action represents a regression in animal protection standards. While Minister Özdemir has proposed mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses, Schröder dismissed the measure as insufficient, claiming it fails to address the “horrific methods” routinely employed. He further highlighted the inequity of the proposed regulation, stating that it would primarily burden smaller farms, lacking the financial resources to implement modern technology or provide adequate staff training.
The Animal Welfare Federation’s statement also targeted the influence of CSU leader Markus Söder, accusing him of consistently provoking conflict and hindering constructive dialogue between animal rights advocates and farmers. Schröder specifically criticized Minister Özdemir for failing to publicly counter Söder’s stance, deeming it a display of governmental weakness. He lamented the dismantling of years of progress achieved through collaborative initiatives like the Borchert and Future Commissions for Agriculture, warning of the increasingly difficult path towards compromise and dialogue. Schröder emphasized the Minister’s responsibility to actively de-escalate the growing tensions within the agricultural sector and stressed preventing a further polarization of viewpoints. The escalation highlights a broader struggle between agricultural interests and animal welfare concerns within the governing coalition and poses a threat to the credibility of the government’s commitment to sustainable and ethical food production.
