Animal Welfare and Nature Conservation as One
Pact for Co-creation
and Nature
Animals are sentient co‑creatures, not production goods or research objects. \"VisionDeutschland\" commits to a profound change in the treatment of animals and nature. We end systemic exploitation and create a Germany where respect, compassion, and scientifically grounded protection are the norm.
1. Animal Welfare – Revolution of Compassion and Responsibility
Recognize Animals as Legal Subjects
Animals are not things, but sensitive beings with their own needs and a claim to a dignified life and integrity.
We will not only strengthen animal welfare in the Basic Law, but also work towards recognizing animals with their own legal personality with enforceable rights. This includes the right to life, freedom from unnecessary suffering, and species‑appropriate care. We will establish an independent animal welfare attorney at the federal level.
Intensive Animal Farming – Structured Exit and System Change
Designation and Problem: Industrial intensive animal farming is an ethical, ecological, and health catastrophe. It causes immense animal suffering, pollutes soils/water, and promotes antibiotic resistance.
Measure: \"VisionDeutschland\" initiates a binding stepwise plan for the complete abolition of industrial intensive animal farming within the next 5 years.
- Immediate Ban on Especially Cruel Practices: Certain practices (e.g., gestation crates for sows, piglet castration without effective pain management/anaesthesia, routine tail docking, chick culling) will be banned within the first year.
- Promotion of Alternatives: Massive state support for businesses that switch to species-appropriate, extensive, and ecological housing systems (e.g., pasture-based, mobile stall systems, agroforestry, housing with significantly more space). Includes investment assistance, retraining, and a purchase guarantee at fair prices.
- No new permits: From now on, no new permits will be issued for intensive animal housing facilities or their expansion.
- Transparency and Education: Mandatory, clear labeling of animal husbandry on all animal products. Comprehensive education of the public about the realities of the industry.
- Übergangsfristen mit klaren Zielen: Jede Frist ist an konkrete, messbare Verbesserungen gekoppelt. Dies beinhaltet die schrittweise Umsetzung folgender deutlich erhöhter Platzstandards:
- Kuh: Deutliche Erhöhung des Platzangebots auf 26–39 m² Stallfläche pro Kuh (aktuell nur ca. 10 m²). Zusätzlich ist ein Zugang zu Auslauf/Weide von mindestens 1.300 m² (0,13 ha) pro Kuh sicherzustellen.
- Pig: Significant increase in space provision to 3.9–6.5 m² floor area per finishing pig (currently for >110kg only about 1 m²). Additionally, at least 13 m² outdoor/free-range area must be provided. For sows, this means the immediate and irreversible end of the gestation crate system.
- General: Species-appropriate enrichment opportunities (burrowing areas, scratching opportunities), exercise of natural social behavior, access to various functional areas and adapted barn climate are mandatory.
Animal testing – Complete ban and paradigm shift
Justification: Animal experiments are highly ethically problematic, associated with severe suffering, and their scientific validity is often limited, which delays the development of human-relevant methods.
Measure: A complete and absolute ban on animal experiments in Germany, based on the ethical principles of organizations such as PETA.
- Exit Plan: A binding timetable for exiting, starting with available alternative methods.
- Animal-free Research: Massive reallocation of research funds to in vitro methods, computer simulations, organoid technologies, and human-based models.
- Professorships: Creation/funding of university chairs exclusively for animal-free methods.
Pet ownership: Responsibility & Protection
Problem: Suffering caused by inadequate care, impulse purchases, and illegal puppy trade leads to overcrowded animal shelters.
Measures:
- Proof of Competence: Nationwide proof of knowledge before acquiring certain species.
- Identification: Mandatory microchip identification and registration for all dogs and cats.
- Breeding & Sale: Ban on sales in pet shops (except for animal welfare shelters). Clear laws against cruel breeding.
- Illegal trade: Stricter penalties and border controls.
- Strengthen animal shelters: Significantly improved financial and structural support for shelters and emergency stations.
Ban on zoos & promotion of sanctuaries
Justification: Keeping wild animals in traditional zoos does not meet their complex needs. The focus must be on protection in their natural habitat.
Measures: Gradual ban on zoos in their current form. Conversion into real protection and rescue centers or closure.
- Sanctuaries (Sanctuaries): Massive support for facilities with the highest standards for threatened or rescued animals.
- No exhibition: The primary purpose is animal welfare and species protection, not commercial show.
- Rewilding: Support for efforts to rewild rehabilitated animals wherever possible.
2. Conservation – Healing and preserving livelihoods
- Strict rules for industry: No more environmental pollution! Strict rules against pollution of water and soil. We rely on circular economy and environmentally friendly production. Additionally: Introduction of the polluter pays principle with full liability for environmental damage.
- Environmentally friendly agriculture: Promotion of organic farming and nature-friendly cultivation to preserve biodiversity. Away from pesticides and GMOs. Additionally: Binding reduction targets for pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
- Reforest and protect forests: Reforestation of the "green lungs". Germany will become greener again! Additionally: Promotion of mixed forests and nature-based forest management, designation of more protected areas for future primeval forests.
- Protect wildlife: Create safe habitats for bears, wolves, lynxes and other wildlife. Additionally: Development of management plans for a conflict-free coexistence of humans and wildlife and combating poaching.
- Strengthen species protection: Protection of threatened species for a functioning ecosystem. Additionally: National strategy for ecosystem restoration and connectivity of habitats.
Additional points (remain relevant and strong):
- Reduce plastic waste: Drastic reduction and promotion of alternative packaging and reusable systems.
- Sustainable consumption: Educating citizens about the impact of their behavior on the environment and animal welfare.
- Environmental education: Strengthening environmental and animal protection education in schools and kindergartens from an early age.
The protection roadmap
- Ban intensive livestock farming: We will pass a law banning intensive livestock farming with a transition period of 5 years.
- Restrict animal testing: We are implementing the first measures to limit animal testing and promoting the development of alternative methods.
- Strengthen industry regulations: We are tightening industry rules to prevent the pollution of water bodies and soils with chemicals.
- Strengthen species protection: We are committed to protecting endangered animal and plant species and creating protected areas.
- Promote ecological agriculture: We promote the transition to ecological agriculture and natural farming.
- Reforest forests: We are launching a large reforestation program to make forests in Germany larger again.
- Protect wildlife: We create safe habitats for wildlife and work to preserve biodiversity.
- Reduce plastic waste: We are committed to drastically reducing plastic waste and promoting the development of alternatives.
- Promote sustainable consumption: We inform citizens about the environmental impact of their consumption habits and promote a sustainable lifestyle.
- Strengthen environmental education: We strengthen environmental education in schools and kindergartens to raise awareness for protecting nature.