Thurgau Cantonal Veterinarian: Victim of State Failure?

Defence attorney portrays client as victim

The attorney of the former Thurgau cantonal veterinarian, who is on trial in connection with the Hefenhofen TG animal welfare case, portrayed his client in court as a victim.

The defendant, he argued, was being held responsible for the failures of an entire state apparatus. The third day of proceedings in the Hefenhofen animal welfare case at the District Court of Frauenfeld TG began with the closing argument of the defence attorney representing the former head of the veterinary office.

Images of emaciated horses shocked the public

His client was being made to answer for the failures of numerous government agencies that had been overwhelmed by a notorious troublemaker, the attorney argued. In 2017, images of emaciated and dead horses at a farm in Hefenhofen shocked the public. The authorities subsequently cleared the agricultural operation.

The prosecution demanded a suspended prison sentence of 18 months against the then-cantonal veterinarian. He is alleged to have remained inactive for too long. He faces charges of multiple counts of abuse of office, aiding and abetting by omission,animal cruelty by omission, damage to creditors, and unfaithful management of business affairs.

250 animals seized

Alongside Paul W., three other former employees of the cantonal veterinary office are also on trial.

The Hefenhofen case made headlines in August 2017. Following media reports about horses that had perished on the farm, authorities cleared the premises and seized around 250 animals, including approximately 100 horses. These were subsequently auctioned off.