Violations found in every fifth inspected livestock farm - Saxony-Anhalt cracks down on farms as animal welfare violations persist in 2024

Inspections in Saxony-Anhalt have revealed ongoing problems in farm management and animal transport. In 2024, over a fifth of farm checks uncovered violations, while transport breaches decreased compared to the previous year. Authorities have taken strict action against the worst offenders.

This year's inspections found deficiencies in 20.6% of farms across Saxony-Anhalt. Common issues included poor care for sick or injured animals, insufficient food and water, and inadequate housing. Many farms also failed to provide proper enrichment materials for the animals.

In animal transport, inspectors recorded fewer violations than in 2023. Only 3.4% of checks found breaches, down from 6.5% the year before. However, serious cases still occurred, such as pigs with untreated umbilical hernias and heavily pregnant sows sent for slaughter. Some cattle transports also exceeded legal group sizes and maximum journey times.

The most severe cases led to strong responses. Authorities imposed 23 farm bans in 2024, with 17 violations classified as severe. Twelve of these required court proceedings, while 346 farms in total faced penalties for non-compliance.

The latest figures highlight persistent challenges in animal welfare enforcement. While transport violations have declined, farm deficiencies remain widespread. Inspections and legal actions continue as authorities push for stricter compliance with welfare regulations.