The purpose of animal welfare is to protect the life and well-being of animals out of human responsibility for them as fellow creatures. No one may inflict pain, suffering or harm on an animal without good reason.
Official animal welfare
Apart from a few exceptions (e.g. animal testing), the department is responsible for implementing animal welfare legislation.
We inspect animal husbandry and issue the necessary orders to eliminate any infringements found and to prevent future infringements.
In addition, numerous activities involving vertebrate animals are subject to a permit requirement in order to ensure that animals are kept in accordance with animal welfare regulations in advance.
We also issue certificates of competence/permits for the slaughter and transportation of animals. As the authority responsible for imposing fines, we punish conduct that violates animal welfare regulations, provided it is an administrative offense.
Wild animals
Wild animals are primarily protected by the provisions of nature conservation law, but the focus here is on preserving biodiversity and not on avoiding pain and suffering. If species-protected animals are kept in human care, both species and animal protection regulations must be observed.
More and more wild animals are crowding into city centers. Foxes, martens, raccoons and wild pigeons are becoming increasingly accustomed to humans in their search for food and shelter. However, not everyone knows how to deal with wild animals. The wildlife officer (extension 42349) is available to answer questions from citizens and public authorities.
Other expert opinions and recommendations on keeping animals
- Leaflets of the Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare e.V.
- Recommendations of the State Animal Welfare Advisory Board of the State of Baden-Württemberg
- Recommendationsof the Animal Welfare Service of the Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety
- Animal welfare guidelines for dairy cow husbandry
- Recommendations for year-round grazing of sheep
- Recommendations for keeping horses outdoors
- Minimum animal welfare requirements for turkey fattening - Recommendations of the State Commissioner for Animal Welfare of Lower Saxony for the keeping of donkeys
- Hygienic quality of drinking water (BMEL)
