Farm of animal abuser Ulrich K. auctioned off

Horse breeder Ulrich K. was convicted of animal cruelty Now his farm in Hefenhofen has been auctioned off.

The debt enforcement office of the district of Arbon auctioned off the farm on Tuesday afternoon, 5 December 2023. The farm, including the residential building and pastureland, was sold for 1.83 million francs. The horse breeder gained national notoriety due to multiple animal welfare violations.

Offener Brief im Fall Hefenhofen

Forced auction following years of animal abuse

The proceeds of 1.83 million francs were used to settle the farmer's outstanding debts. The forced auction of the farm concluded after the bidding. The starting price was approximately one million francs. Three bidders drove the price up, and the farm was ultimately sold to a vegetable farmer.

The auction of the farm resulted in twelve other properties not being put up for sale. Among them were forest parcels that had also been scheduled for auction. A total of 78 persons participated in the auction in Frauenfeld.

Failure of authorities and animal protection

The horse breeder gained national notoriety due to the repeated neglect of his animals. The authorities at the time ordered the forced evacuation of the farm and seized 90 horses. Photos of severely neglected animals were widely circulated in the media.

Ulrich K. had been in conflict with the authorities over his animal husbandry practices for years. In March 2023 he stood trial for animal cruelty, but was acquitted on most counts. The judges ruled that most of the evidence presented was inadmissible.

The public prosecutor's office filed an appeal against the verdict. The case has not yet been heard before the Thurgau Court of Appeal.

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