Left and Greens demand more money for animal shelters in Saxony

The Left and Greens in the Saxon state parliament sharply criticize the planned cut in subsidies for animal shelters and demand more money instead. "We do not accept that animal welfare organizations and animal shelters have to work sacrificially and under catastrophic conditions. The state must not shirk its responsibility," explained Left Party parliamentary group leader Susanne Schaper.

Government plans drastic cut in funding for animal shelters

Last year, funding for animal shelters was increased to 920,000 euros per year due to rising costs. Now, according to the CDU-SPD minority government, the funds are to be cut by half to 460,000 euros. An amendment proposed by the Greens, on the other hand, envisages an increase to around 1.6 million euros. The AfD also spoke out against a reduction in funding.

"The shelters already had their backs to the wall, the volunteers can hardly cope with all the tasks. Illegal puppy trading, confiscations from inappropriate reptile husbandry and the consequences of the pandemic-related pet boom put an additional strain on them," Schaper claimed. Investment subsidies should at least be maintained at the current level.

Animal shelters are already working at the limit

The cuts to animal welfare would endanger the shelters, which have long been working above the limit, explained Green Party parliamentary group leader Franziska Schubert. "For years, animal shelters have been fighting for every euro so that they can take in and care for animals in need. It all costs money. Anyone who cuts animal welfare is ignoring the efforts of the many volunteers and showing a heartless attitude towards animal suffering."

The Greens and the Left also reject the idea of phasing out the budget for animal welfare officers. Her budget is to be reduced from 85,000 euros to 10,000 euros this year and to zero in 2026. The commissioner only began her work in 2024. The Left Party is calling for the budget to be increased to 100,000 euros. The Greens have announced amendments to financially secure her work.