Saxony-Anhalt's livestock farms face persistent animal welfare violations in 2024

Saxony-Anhalt's livestock farms face persistent animal welfare violations in 2024

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Violations found in every fifth inspected livestock farm - Saxony-Anhalt's livestock farms face persistent animal welfare violations in 2024

Animal welfare violations persist in Saxony-Anhalt's livestock industry. In 2024, inspections found breaches on one in five farms, with severe issues in pig, cattle, sheep, and goat farming. Transport violations decreased, but severe neglect and mistreatment cases were still uncovered.

A total of 346 farms were flagged for violations last year, with 17 severe cases and 12 requiring court action. Common issues included inadequate care for sick or injured animals, insufficient food and water, and poor housing conditions. Some farms lacked enrichment materials, crucial for animal well-being.

Inspections revealed disturbing cases, such as pigs with untreated umbilical hernias and sows in late pregnancy sent to slaughter. Transport checks found issues like group sizes exceeding limits and journeys too long in extreme heat, with pigs being the main focus.

Authorities issued 23 livestock farming bans in 2024 due to severe breaches. However, no farms were permanently closed in 2023 for animal welfare violations. Transport violations dropped from 6.5% in 2023 to 3.4% in 2024, showing some improvement.

The latest figures show ongoing challenges enforcing animal welfare standards. While transport violations declined, persistent issues in livestock farming remain. Authorities continue to monitor and penalize severe cases, but no permanent closures were recorded in the previous year.

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