Germany: PETA files application to review tax-exempt status of 11 fishing clubs

Animal cruelty doesn’t deserve tax benefits: Eleven angling clubs in five federal states currently face losing their charitable status. PETA has applied to the relevant tax authorities to have this reviewed. The reason: the clubs organise competitive fishing events, in which participants compete to catch the heaviest fish within a set period of time. In the view of the animal rights organisation, as well as numerous public prosecutors and courts, this violates animal welfare legislation.

Animal cruelty is never a charitable purpose. Tax privileges must not apply to clubs that kill animals for fun — least of all under the pretence of preserving local heritage or even nature and environmental protection.

So says Dr Tanja Breining, biologist and specialist adviser on fish and marine animals at PETA. «Fish feel fear and stress just as much as our dogs and cats.»

Competitive fishing is a criminal offence

The animal rights organization points out that the Federal Ministry of Finance stated in a letter dated 25.09.1991: «Competitive fishing events are in principle to be regarded as incompatible with the Animal Welfare Act and with charitable status.» This directive is binding on tax enforcement authorities. Competitive fishing is also now unanimously regarded as a criminal offense in legal literature, by public prosecutors, and by courts — even when the fish are subsequently eaten. Under the Animal Welfare Act, animals may not be subjected to prolonged pain and suffering without a “reasonable justification.”

Fish are sentient vertebrates

PETA is responding with this campaign to statements by politicians from the FDP and CDU who seek to deny charitable status to several animal rights organizations. Rather than seeking to punish civic courage, politicians and law enforcement authorities should enforce the animal welfare protections enshrined in the constitution and not reward perpetrators — such as fishing clubs — with tax benefits, according to PETA.

Fish are sentient vertebrates with complex social lives. They form friendships, protect their young, learn through observation, and devise hunting strategies. They communicate through body language, vocalizations, or sing together in chorus at dawn like birds. The fact that fish experience pain and emotions such as fear and stress is today beyond doubt, thanks to numerous studies. More on animal rights.