Leftists demand better animal protection

The Left Party has called for more commitment to animal welfare and denounced abuses. Although animal welfare is a state objective in the state constitution and the Basic Law, the reality is different, explained party leader Susanne Schaper in Dresden on Thursday. The topic should still play a role in the state parliament this evening.

"The illegal animal trade is a billion-dollar industry and an attractive business for criminals. Behind the pictures of cute puppies lies a cruel machinery of unscrupulous breeding factories and the unspeakable suffering of the parent animals," emphasized Schaper. Her party is calling for a central office at federal and state level to monitor the online trade in animals. The platforms should be regulated and violations punished.

According to Schaper, specialized investigative structures should be created within the Saxon police and cooperation with neighbouring states should be strengthened. "A specialized public prosecutor's office for animal protection is just as necessary as enforcing the ban on torture breeding." Cities and municipalities are often overburdened with animal welfare. "Due to a lack of money and staff, inspections cannot take place or only rarely."