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.
