Animal cruelty in the Hohenlohe district: Public prosecutor's office is investigating cow operations!

Animal cruelty in the Hohenlohe district: Public prosecutor's office is investigating cow operations!

In Germany, around a million cattle and dairy cows live in tethered housing, a form of housing that is common practice on many farms, especially in the southwest of the country. However, this method is increasingly being criticized, especially since the animal protection organization Aninova reported a cattle farm in the Hohenlohe district for “animal cruelty”. The Heilbronn public prosecutor's office then began an investigation, which further fueled the debate about tethering. Today, June 18, 2025, reports Stuttgart News that the animal protection organization Aninova has published images that document the suffering existence of the cows.

The photos, which were taken on March 15, 2025 in Bretzfeld, Hohenlohekreis, show around 50 cows that are kept on chains in the stable all year round. Jan Peifer, CEO of Aninova, said that the animals can't even turn around. These appalling conditions were also confirmed by the Künzelsau veterinary office, which found “minor to moderate defects,” including excessively long claws on a dairy cow. The farmer concerned has lodged an objection against the requirements of the veterinary office and a decision is still pending.

Criticism of the tethering posture

Tethering is not explicitly prohibited, but according to animal protection organizations it violates the Animal Welfare Act if it causes significant pain or suffering to the animals. This form of animal husbandry was the most cost-effective option for decades and is practiced by around half of all farms in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Agriculture recognizes the problem and supports companies in converting to more species-appropriate husbandry, but the legal framework remains inadequate.

The Hohenlohe dairy, which sources milk from the accused farmer, has decided not to accept any more milk for the time being. This dairy advertises that its cows are happy and sustainably raised, but tethering is not mentioned in this advertising strategy. Interestingly, the dairy sources 85% of its milk from other farms that produce at level 3 (fresh air access to pasture farming), which offers a positive contrast to the current situation.

Public reactions and further developments

In Austria, year-round tethering has been banned for five years, while in Germany there have been repeated efforts to enact a similar ban for a long time. Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir recently brought up such a ban, but it was overturned by his successor Alois Rainer. These decisions are viewed as inadequate by animal protection organizations and are fueling discontent over the authorities' tolerance of tethering.

Experts warn of the possible economic consequences if a consistent turnaround in agriculture does not occur. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that many small farms will go out of business, probably for economic reasons. This could lead to an increase in large corporations, which could further exacerbate the already tense situation in animal husbandry.

The investigations by the Heilbronn public prosecutor's office, which are based on Aninova's criminal complaint, have raised public awareness of the abuses in tethering. The farmer could face a possible fine of up to 25,000 euros if it turns out that he has violated the Animal Welfare Act.

In summary, the debate over tethering and the resulting animal welfare issues require urgent consideration. While authorities and companies struggle to find solutions, it remains to be seen what specific changes this situation will ultimately bring about.