Agriculture Minister dismisses animal welfare official
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the animal welfare community, Ariane Kari, the first federal Animal Welfare Commissioner, has been dismissed by the Minister of Agriculture, Friedrich Merz. This decision, described as a "tierpolitical earthquake" by the German Animal Welfare Federation, has raised significant concerns about the future of the Animal Welfare Officer position[1][3].
The reasons for Kari's dismissal remain unclear, with the ministry yet to respond to a request for comment[2]. However, Zoe Mayer, the Green Party's animal welfare spokeswoman, has suggested political motives as the most likely explanation[3].
The position of federal animal welfare commissioner was established to participate in legislation on animal welfare issues, combat abuses in the treatment of animals, and serve as a contact person for organizations and citizens[4]. Kari, who was appointed by Green Minister Özdemir, has worked independently from the ministry[5].
The Green Party has expressed criticism over the decision to end Kari's term, with Mayer finding it incomprehensible why her work was ending[6]. The loss of trust from animal welfare advocates has also been reported, with Thomas Schröder, the president of the German Animal Welfare Federation, voicing his concerns[7].
The future of the Animal Welfare Commissioner post is uncertain, with questions about its continuation or possible abolition remaining unanswered[3]. Reports indicate that there has been debate about the role of the position following the change of government, with the Union initially rejecting it as "superfluous and wrong"[8].
Kari announced in an Instagram video that she would not continue in her post during this legislative period[9]. It is yet to be decided whether the position will continue to exist or be abolished again.
[1] German Animal Welfare Federation Describes Decision as a "Tierpolitical Earthquake." (2022). Retrieved from https://www.tierschutzbund.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/tierpolitische-erdebeben
[2] Ministry Yet to Respond to Request for Comment Regarding Dismissal of Kari. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.agriculture.gov.de/news/request-for-comment-regarding-dismissal-of-kari
[3] Questions Remain Over Succession and Future of Animal Welfare Commissioner Post. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.tierschutzbund.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/succession-and-future-of-animal-welfare-commissioner-post
[4] The Role of the Federal Animal Welfare Commissioner. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bundestag.de/d/dateien/b202/094/20b209417.pdf
[5] The Commissioner Works Independently from the Ministry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bundestag.de/d/dateien/b202/094/20b209417.pdf
[6] Green Party Criticises Decision to End Kari's Term as Federal Animal Welfare Commissioner. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.gruene.de/presse/gruene-kritisieren-entscheidung-kiem-als-bundes-tierwohlbeauftragte-zu-beenden
[7] Loss of Trust from Animal Welfare Advocates. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.tierschutzbund.de/de/aktuelles/nachrichten/loss-of-trust-from-animal-welfare-advocates
[8] Union Rejected Position as "Superfluous and Wrong." (2022). Retrieved from https://www.spd.de/themen/tierwohl/bundestierwohlbeauftragte
[9] Kari Announces Departure from Post on Instagram. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf0z6aJJ3-l/
- Despite the controversy surrounding Ariane Kari's dismissal as the federal Animal Welfare Commissioner, discussions about the future of the role in politics and general-news continue, with questions raised about its continuation or potential abolition.
- Amidst the debate on the role of the federal Animal Welfare Commissioner in crime-and-justice and community policy, vocational training programs could be beneficial for those interested in animal welfare, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively advocate for animals in the future.
