In an historic win for animals Cem Özdemir, Germany’s Agriculture Minister, has announced an end to the export of animals – whether for slaughter or breeding – from Germany to the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia.
While exporting animals to be killed for their meat has already stopped, animals used for breeding were still being exported. Today's news closes that final loophole and will spare many thousands of cows, sheep, and goats from suffering in the live export trade.
Germany is the first EU country to make this bold move for animals. The Animals International team has worked tirelessly to investigate, document, and expose the horrific treatment and suffering of animals exported from Europe. Their evidence of German animals – on ships and in overseas slaughterhouses – has been among the most distressing but the gathering of evidence and public campaigns, have been crucial in bringing live export cruelty to the attention of politicians – not only in Germany but in many other European countries.
Of course, they wish to see Germany extend its decision to countries within as well as outside of Europe. Not only to spare animals from the stress of long-distance transport but to ensure young German animals can't be shipped out of Europe from other EU countries.
Thankfully Germany's Agriculture Minister has indicated an intention to address this possible loophole and lead to further positive changes.
'We can no longer watch animals suffer and die in agony on long journeys." - Minister Cem Özdemirc
This momentous decision was made possible with the assistance of international partners and colleagues – Animal Welfare Foundation, Deutscher Tierschutzbund, Eurogroup for Animals, and Four Paws." They have given animals the powerful representation they deserve".
