German Animal Shelters Face Financial Crisis, Warn Tierschutzbund

The Deutsche Tierschutzbund warns that without urgent funding from the government and municipalities, the future of animal shelters is at risk.

The Deutsche Tierschutzbund describes the financial state of Germany's animal shelters as the most dire it has ever been, with a funding shortfall of approximately €160 million.
Promises of support from the federal government, including a proposed foundation for long-term funding, have not materialized, and no federal budget allocations have been made.
Local municipalities, responsible for covering costs related to stray animals, are accused of neglecting their obligations, leaving shelters to rely on inconsistent and inadequate agreements.
Overcrowding in shelters exacerbates the crisis, as facilities struggle to accommodate rising numbers of abandoned and stray animals without sufficient resources.
Declining donations, attributed to inflation and economic uncertainty, further jeopardize the ability of shelters to continue their operations and provide essential care for animals.