Coalition agreement between SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and FDP:

29.11.2021

ZZF welcomes regulation of the online pet trade

The German Pet Trade Association, Zentralverband Zoologischer Fachbetriebe Deutschlands e.V. (ZZF), welcomes the strengthening of animal welfare in the field of pet keeping provided for in the coalition agreement of the SPD, Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and FDP parliamentary groups. For example, the coalition of the two parties wants to introduce the identity check demanded by the ZZF as an obligation in the online pet trade. In the opinion of the ZZF, this will help to curb the sale of animals with torture breeding characteristics as well as species classified as invasive under current law and illegal offers of species-protected animals.

ZZF President Norbert Holthenrich and ZZF Director Gordon Bonnet also view the announced establishment of the office of an animal welfare officer positively and look forward to future dialogue. Furthermore, the coalition agreement provides for an update of the guidelines for animal exchanges and an identification and registration obligation for dogs.

The ZZF welcomes that the coalition also wants to dedicate itself to the fight against species extinction. Among other things, it is planned to stop the illegal trade in protected species also in online trade and to strengthen enforcement through a task force.

The ZZF is critical of the fact that the coalition partners want to advocate a ban on imports of wild-caught animals for the pet market, as this runs counter to species protection. The ZZF takes a firm stand against the illegal trade in live animals. Wild-caught animals that are protected in their countries of origin must not be imported into the EU for the commercial live animal trade. The association advocates for sustainable forms of wildlife management and use in natural habitats and advocates for sustainable trade in wildlife in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, animal lovers who want to keep wild animals as pets should also be able to acquire and keep animals legally. A general ban on the trade in natural removals would endanger the biotopes of these species and thus accelerate their decline to the point of extinction.

link: https://www.zzf.de

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