Silvia Breher, a member of the CDU, has been appointed as the new Federal Government Commissioner for Animal Welfare. The Federal Cabinet approved the appointment of the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, following a proposal by Federal Minister of Agriculture Alois Rainer (CSU). Breher will assume her duties on September 1, 2025, succeeding Ariane Kari in the role.
Breher stated that despite animal welfare being enshrined in the Basic Law for nearly 25 years, significant work remains to be done. She emphasized the importance of public education regarding the issue and informing animal owners, a focus she intends to maintain.
Key priorities for her tenure will include the swift implementation of mandatory video surveillance in slaughterhouses, which she believes will foster transparency for both producers and regulatory authorities. She also highlighted the urgent need for regulations governing the online trade of animals and increased support for animal shelters, recognizing the vital role played by volunteers in these organizations.
Minister Rainer affirmed that animal welfare is a central concern of the Federal Government. He described Breher as a “champion for animal welfare” who will drive further progress in Germany. He also noted that the appointment represents a streamlined administrative solution during a period of budgetary constraints.
