Scandal in Thuringia: Animal rights activists uncover brutal killings of piglets!

Scandal in Thuringia: Animal rights activists uncover brutal killings of piglets!

Animal husbandry is currently on everyone's lips in Thuringia, especially after shocking abuses were uncovered in a piglet farm in Thiemendorf. Animal rights activists have documented blatant violations of the Animal Protection Act through secret recordings. MDR reported that reporter Albrecht Radon gained insight into the cruel actions taking place in this facility. Over 100 piglets are brutally killed here every day, as the pictures show. Animal rights activists criticize the killing methods, which include a stunning blow followed by a throat cut and where many of the animals end up alive in the carcass bin.

Matthias Schönborn from the animal protection association “Undercover” describes the killings as assembly line-like and on an unimaginable scale. A particularly frightening detail: The recordings show healthy piglets fighting back, which violates the legal requirements for emergency euthanasia. Emergency killings are permitted under certain conditions, but only if the animals are sick or the suffering cannot be alleviated in any other way. But in this case the killings appear to be carried out for economic reasons, which could constitute a clear criminal offense under Section 17 of the Animal Welfare Act.

Horrifying insights into animal husbandry

Ariane Kari, the Federal Animal Welfare Commissioner, is shocked by the methods shown and does not deviate from the opinion that there may be a violation of the law here. The responsible veterinary office classified the allegations as serious and announced that a thorough examination of the company was planned. The company has been run by the Dutch company “Brasus” since 2021. Managing director Ronald Braks emphasizes that they want to adhere to all guidelines and will not kill small piglets for economic reasons.

But reality speaks a different language. Matthias Schönborn from Uncover says that the systems are aiming for 100% utilization. This results in sows being bred for high numbers of piglets, although the number of teats is limited. This economic pressure creates a surplus of piglets, which justifies the often cruel killings. Similar events were also documented in another plant in Saxony-Anhalt, which highlights the problems in the industry.

Criticism of the animal protection law

The Animal Welfare Act, which applies to all animals, has some deficiencies in its current form and urgently needs to be revised. It protects animals from avoidable pain, suffering or harm, but it is incomplete and leaves much room for different interpretations. Especially when documenting animal cruelty, it is important for animal rights activists to collect evidence and report the case to the responsible authorities. But they are unable to file a lawsuit on behalf of the animals, which represents a major hurdle for animal protection.

The safe handling of animals should be the top priority in our modern society. It is time to ask ourselves how many ills persist in the shadow of big agriculture. Animal rights are human rights and should finally receive the attention they deserve. Current developments in piglet breeding shed a bright light on the challenges in animal protection and make it clear that there is a need for action.