Nordhausen (dpa/th) - After the death of numerous pigs in a fattening facility in Nordhausen, the operator is being investigated on suspicion of violating the Animal Welfare Act. This was announced by a spokeswoman for the district office on Monday in Nordhausen. The company informed the district's veterinary office immediately after the incident. MDR Thuringia reported first.
According to the German Animal Welfare Association, almost 2,500 animals died in the accident. The reason for the death of the pigs was the failure of the ventilation system. An alarm system apparently failed. "For years we have heard about ventilation problems that have not been addressed," said Kevin Schmidt, chairman of the Thuringia State Animal Protection Association. The catastrophe came with announcement.
"The extreme mechanization with forced ventilation poses a constant risk for the pigs penned up in warm stables," said the President of the German Animal Welfare Association, Thomas Schröder. The move away from the warm stable towards more animal-friendly housing systems that are based on the natural needs of the animals must be promoted. Different climate zones and a free air supply could be created through contact with the outside climate or through an outlet. This can also prevent the entire stable system from collapsing in the event of a technical defect.
