Saxony-Anhalt wants to stop animal welfare label-minister speaks plain text!

Saxony-Anhalt wants to stop animal welfare label-minister speaks plain text!

In a hi-tech world full of challenges in the field of animal welfare, things are currently on the brink. Saxony-Anhalt plans to stop the already established animal welfare label. Minister of State Schulze has announced a move in the Federal Council. The aim is to set up a uniform concept for the labeling of animal products together with other federal states. In his opinion, the existing label does not adequately interfere with the needs of consumer protection and animal welfare. Schulze calls for a label that comprehensively depicts the attitude of the animal until the slaughter, regardless of whether it is domestic animals or imported, reported [Deutschlandfunk] (https://www.deutschlandfunk.de/Sachsen-Anhalt-blockwohl-blockwohl-labels-im-Bundesrat-100.html).

The Animal Welfare initiative has published a seal for meat products since July 2021, which are produced under improved housing conditions. This is intended to receive millions of animals, including pigs, chickens and turkeys, a better life than legally required. In order to achieve these goals, the animal owners implement specific criteria beyond the legal minimum standards and are paid accordingly. Independent inspectors ensure that the criteria are observed. By buying appropriate products, consumers can actively contribute to improving animal welfare, as can be seen on the [Initiative Tierwohl] (https://initiative-ierwohl.de/ consumer/unser-tierwohl-siegel/).

The reactions of the actors

The announcement of Schulze found both supporters and critics. The consumer protection organization Foodwatch spoke up and warned that stopping the plans of the meat industry could harm enormously. This emphasizes the importance of a binding state animal welfare label, which is seen as a central step for improving the posture conditions of farm animals. Klaus Müller, board member of the VZBV, emphasizes the importance of a uniform seal for consumer orientation. Especially since there is the willingness of consumers to spend more money for the welfare of farm animals. Many also share this perspective in the gastronomy that sustainably support the animal welfare initiative and actively integrate the seal into their products.

The political discussion is not just about the well -being of the animals. Minister Rainer from the CSU spoke out against a tightening of the rules, which further fueled the debate about the animal welfare label. According to the [Consumer Center Federal Association] (https://www.vzbv.de/publikations/faktenblatt-zum-thema-animal welfare), the need for a comprehensive livestock posture strategy is undisputed. Such a strategy would not only benefit the animals, but could also lead to a sustainable improvement in the entire industry.

The importance of the topic of animal welfare is recognized on all sides, but the paths of the legislature remain controversial. A common commitment to clear and uniform standards could lead to both the animals and consumers benefit. So if you stay on the ball, you have the best hand with this topic.