Legal Dispute: Dresdner Wants to Trade in Big Cats

Animal rights activists: Loopholes in animal welfare regulations are being deliberately exploited

The Dresden resident did not respond to a written inquiry. The Bautzen Higher Administrative Court does not expect a quick decision on the matter, as this is not a routine proceeding. 

In fact, Germany plays a significant role in the trade and distribution of exotic big cats, explains Patrick Müller, spokesperson for the animal welfare organization Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP). This is due, in part, to its central location in Europe. 

Furthermore: “There is no nationwide ban on keeping exotic animals in Germany.” The system is “full of loopholes” and is therefore sometimes deliberately exploited to “acquire animals and then distribute them.” For example, keeping tigers in Saxony is permitted provided certain requirements are met. The same applies in North Rhine-Westphalia. In Berlin and Munich, however, it is prohibited. 

Tigers from Saxony Taken to Spain

Just last week, the organization took in six tigers from the private collection of a former circus performer in Schkeuditz, Saxony, after the authorities had declared the conditions there unsuitable and partially prohibited their keeping. 

The animals were taken to a sanctuary in southern Spain. Previously, a full-grown male tiger had escaped from there. A 72-year-old volunteer was seriously injured in the incident. The animal was shot and killed by police near an allotment garden complex.

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