Animal welfare scandal in Thuringia: deadly sanctuary uncovered!

Animal welfare scandal in Thuringia: deadly sanctuary uncovered!

The last few weeks have revealed an animal protection scandal in Thuringia that has even stunned even experienced animal rights activists. In May 2025, gruesome photos of dog carcasses were published on a farm in the municipality of Wunschendorf. These images show animals that appear to be starving and covered in dust. MDR reports that The carcasses were discovered both on a farm in Zossen and in the Gera district of Rubitz - even though the veterinary office had not granted permission to keep dogs.

Unexplained circumstances and allegations

The investigation, which has been ongoing since January 2025, was discovered after the operator of the farm in question, the long-time chairwoman of the Sanctuary for Animals Association, Heidi E., died in November 2024. Among the details that have become known is the discovery of around 40 dead dogs on the farm in Zossen that was used by the association in question. Anja H. is also the focus of the public prosecutor's investigation, which is currently underway. Thüringen24 explains that the dog rescue center did not have the necessary permits to keep them.

These abuses were exposed by a group of animal rights activists. Witnesses report anonymously that they do not want to speak publicly for fear of reprisals. However, the authorities, including the public prosecutor's office and the police, are keeping a low profile and not commenting on the findings, which is causing public discontent.

Shocking discoveries

How disgraceful the conditions actually were is shown not only by the carcasses that were discovered during searches on May 26, 2025 in Gera-Rubitz - there the authorities found four dead dogs, a dead cat and numerous bones. According to the Greiz Veterinary Office, they were completely surprised by the dog ownership, even though there had been regular checks. In fact, the veterinary office received a notice about dog keeping in 2023, but only stables and the farm itself were checked - and the approval only related to zebus and cats.

The financial side of the animal welfare scandal is also explosive: Heidi E. had charged up to 250 euros per animal to take in animals and is said to have taken more than 200 dogs from all over Germany into her care. The alleged boarding costs amounted to around 2,000 euros per month, but visits to the animals were prohibited.

Political and social reactions

The issue of animal protection is a hot topic, and this scandal casts a shadowy light on the practical implementation of the animal protection law in Thuringia. The Gera public prosecutor's office is working on the case, but remains in the dark when it comes to questions about details and future steps. In the context of this disgusting incident, it should be noted that such animal welfare scandals are by no means isolated cases aninova in their database proven.

Public attention to this scandalous case is also wanted: animal rights activists have announced that they will comprehensively investigate the case and take possible legal action against those responsible. In light of these events, the placement of animals can be seen as deeply problematic.

The events described here not only reflect the failure of individuals, but also shed light on the need for stricter controls and legal measures to protect animals. The case remains unsolved for now, while the investigation continues and the correct responsibilities have yet to be determined.