Living animal welfare
Source: BUS Rheinland-PfalzAnimal welfare means protecting the life and well-being of animals out of human responsibility for them as fellow creatures. Each individual is responsible for this by
- checking before acquiring an animal (pet or farm animal) whether you can meet the needs of the animal in question,
- ensuring species-appropriate handling and husbandry
- care for and feed the animals according to their needs
The veterinary authorities carry out risk-oriented and ad hoc inspections of animal husbandry. They investigate complaints and reports of breaches of animal welfare legislation - including in private holdings.
The tasks of the veterinary authorities also include monitoring animal welfare during transportation or slaughter. If necessary, the competent authorities initiate fine proceedings or impose conditions on owners and caretakers in order to rectify abuses. If a criminal offense is suspected, the case is passed on to the public prosecutor's office.
The protection of the environment is inextricably linked to the protection of animals and the protection of animal habitats. Anyone who keeps or cares for an animal must feed and care for it according to its species and needs and provide it with appropriate housing. All pet owners are called upon, because practicing animal welfare means
- Informing yourself about the needs of pets before acquiring them
- Keeping and treating your pets in a way that is appropriate for them
- To refrain from keeping a pet if optimal husbandry is not possible
- Not to restrict an animal's opportunities for species-appropriate exercise in such a way as to cause it pain or avoidable suffering or harm
The legal basis for animal welfare is the Animal Welfare Act. Information on the species-appropriate keeping of farm animals and the construction of stables can be found here. Information on the minimum requirements for keeping small birds, parrots, ornamental fish, game in enclosures and horses can be found here. Since September 2001, stricter requirements have applied to the keeping of dogs. These are regulated in the Animal Protection Dog Ordinance . The veterinary office of the district authorities is responsible for monitoring compliance with the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act. Violations of the Animal Welfare Act are often difficult for laypersons to recognize. Nevertheless, the veterinary office relies on information from citizens to identify violations of the Animal Welfare Act. If such information is provided, it is important to state exactly where the animal in question is located and who the owner is.