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Shock in Dolchau: Boxers and cats stay away from the farm forever!
In the Altmarkkreis Salzwedel, 17 boxers and 6 cats were confiscated due to neglect. The animals remain permanently in new owners.
Shock in Dolchau: Boxers and cats stay away from the farm forever!
The animal welfare issue in Germany has once again made headlines, and this case from Dolchau will move many people. In July 2025, 17 boxers and 6 cats had to be confiscated from a farm and, after thorough inspections by the responsible authorities, serious neglect was discovered. The Altmarkkreis has now decided that the animals will not be returned to their previous owners because the conditions for keeping them were unacceptable.
The family from which the animals came has been criticized several times in the past for animal welfare violations. There had been evidence of animal neglect since 2018, but due to insufficient evidence, the animals were not immediately removed. The owners also moved several times, which made controls significantly more difficult. It was only the dramatic situation in July that led to a detailed review of the conditions and some of the animals had to receive veterinary care.
Permanent solution for the animals
The decision by the Altmarkkreis to permanently entrust the 17 boxers and 6 cats to a new foster family is an important step in the interests of animal protection. Future keeping of these animals will be closely monitored. Regulatory action against the family is underway, but no further details can be published for data protection reasons. What remains is the certainty that the animals are now in good hands.
Ethical considerations regarding animal protection and animal husbandry are currently more in demand than ever. According to the Animal Protection Act, which was incorporated into Germany's constitution in 2002, there are clear guidelines for the species-appropriate keeping and care of animals. But animal protection is not only a legal issue, but also a moral responsibility that must be taken seriously by owners. Animal protection movements worldwide are committed to improving the living conditions of animals and are constantly calling for legal changes to reduce suffering and promote species-appropriate husbandry, according to Wikipedia.
A look into the history of animal protection
Animal welfare has a long history, dating back to the 19th century. The first animal protection law was introduced in England in 1822 and primarily protected farm animals such as horses and sheep from mistreatment. Richard Martin played a key role in this development by founding the first animal welfare organization. Animal protection awareness also grew in Germany with the first animal protection associations in the 19th century, such as in Stuttgart, where the first German animal protection association was founded, reports Planet Wissen.
The Dolchau case is also an urgent appeal to all of us to be sensitive to the well-being of animals and to stand up for their rights. Modern animal protection must not be forgotten, because our responsibility as animal owners and fellow human beings should always be in focus. Ultimately, it's about providing animals with a species-appropriate environment and minimizing their suffering - a challenge that we must face together.