Bavaria: Scandalous Conditions in Animal Farming
Animal welfare standards on Bavarian farms are frequently not being upheld.
Animal husbandry operations in Bavaria are inspected on average only once every 48 years.
This results in numerous violations — and animal welfare inspections reveal that in many Bavarian stables, animals are not adequately supplied with food and water, or have insufficient space.
In 2021, violations were found during animal welfare inspections in approximately 41% of pig farming operations and around 40% of calf farming operations, the Environment Ministry in Munich announced in response to an inquiry from the Greens. In laying hen operations, complaints were recorded in 15% of inspections, and in 19% of cases involving broiler chickens. Among the other recorded animal husbandry operations — which also include cattle farming — 38% of inspected farms were found to be in violation.
«Complaints in these cases include, for example, deficiencies in the provision of food and water, or insufficient space per animal», said Rosi Steinberger, the Greens’ agricultural expert in the state parliament. «What is so alarming is that Bavarian farms are inspected on average only once every 48 years», she emphasised, citing figures from the federal government dating back to 2018.
Greens Demand End to Factory Farming
The Greens had previously called for an end to factory farming in Bavaria. «We need to reduce our high livestock numbers in Bavaria and we need to produce better meat«, said their spokesperson for animal welfare, Paul Knoblach, on Bavarian Broadcasting. This should be made possible through state subsidies to farmers.
This in turn was criticised by the Free Voters party. The Greens in Bavaria were acting out of touch with reality and ignoring the centuries-old tradition of agriculture in Bavaria. With their demand for an end to factory farming, they were failing to recognise the reality of agriculture in the Free State — the small-scale farming structures in rural areas. «There you will certainly find no factory farming, but rather a respectful approach to farm animals», said the chairman of the Agricultural Committee in the state parliament, Leopold Herz (Free Voters).
No animal-friendly husbandry
According to the Greens, however, current husbandry conditions often overwhelm animals. They sometimes injure one another, fall ill due to rapid growth or high milk yields, hard lying surfaces or unhygienic conditions. «Unfortunately, these are often problems that significantly affect the well-being of animals», said Steinberger. «Overcrowding in stalls or serious hygiene deficiencies are also an immense burden for animals.» Even the minimum requirements are frequently not met. And these are often not sufficient for truly animal-friendly husbandry.
«Given such infrequent inspections and such high rates of violations, we must assume that many animal welfare offences remain undetected to this day«, said the Green politician. «Some operations might simply need support through agricultural advisory services.» She accused the state government of «failing on all fronts» in this matter.
«The figures show that the state government is doing almost nothing to ensure effective animal welfare inspections. We need significantly more staff in the responsible veterinary offices and accurate data collection so that at least the minimum animal welfare requirements are met«, demanded Steinberger. Bavaria needs more frequent and better animal welfare inspections.
