The animal rights organization PETA is mobilizing against the small animal breeding market in Weilheim: The event is to be closed completely - because of the danger of a new pandemic.
- The small animal breeding market in Weilheim has been canceled until further notice due to the corona crisis.
- Peta is now calling for the small animal breeding market to be abolished entirely.
- The animal welfare organization sees the market as a risk of retransmission of viruses from animals to humans .
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Weilheim - It is an integral part of the Weilheim event calendar and unique in southern Bavaria : the monthly small animal breeding market attracts hundreds of visitors and buyers to the small highland hall. It is organized by the Association of Breeders of Poultry, Birds and Rabbits in Weilheim and the Surrounding Area (VDRVK).
Peta demands: Small animal breeding market should no longer open due to the danger of a new pandemic
Because of the Corona pandemic, the health department has closed the market until further notice. In the course of this, the animal protection organization PETA is demanding a drastic step: In a letter, Mayor Markus Loth (BfW) demands that the market activity "for the protection of people and animals " be closed permanently.
Peta: Pathogens spread quickly in animal markets
The organization primarily introduces health issues. " Potential pathogens can spread quickly in animal markets , " says the Stuttgart-based PETA headquarters. The organization points to the coronavirus origin in Wuhan, China. "The corona crisis could only be a first taste of what could happen more and more through the exploitation of animals ."
The mayor of Weilheim rejects Peta's initiative to open a small animal breeding market
In the town hall in Weilheim, the demand met with rejection. "I find that very exaggerated," the mayor declines to close completely. “The market should definitely continue. He has been a part of Weilheim for decades and a large group of interested parties meet here. "He sees no danger:" There are requirements. "
The VDRVK has no understanding of the drastic requirement. In the current situation there is no market anyway , said 2nd Chairman Rudolf Sporer on the applicable restrictions. "And under normal circumstances, this is a risk similar to that of all events - for example football, concerts and weekly markets."
Veterinary office at small animal breeding market in Weilheim strongly involved
In addition, there is a market organization that is coordinated with the veterinary office. This ranges from the ban on the sale of animals from transport containers through the labeling and size of the cages to the fact that "access to water and feed" must be guaranteed for the animals at all times.
The organizers themselves are responsible: "The association must have people with proof of expertise in birds, poultry and rabbits at every market ," said Sporer.
Small animal breeding market in Weilheim: Visitors come from many regions
According to the VDRVK, the catchment area of the small animal market extends south from Munich to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The market was visited on average by 400 people - buyers and sellers as well as visitors with children.
"The market importance is significant," emphasizes the second board. "We are now noticing this especially during the Corona phase." The club receives many calls from small animal friends. Because the private pet owners would meet their needs in Weilheim, but the supply chain was broken without a market.
Clear statement from the district office: "PETA's criticism is not shared by the veterinary office"
Press spokesman Hans Rehbehn will inform you on request. At the small animal market in Weilheim , no wild animals with unknown germ status were offered, but only bred birds and small animals without exotic animals. According to the organization of the market and permission from the Veterinary Office, only clinically healthy animals should be sold. "This is checked independently by market operators and by the authority during on-site inspections," says the district authority.
If an animal does in fact appear to be ill, the market operator also has a medical area. The district office refers to the special organizational structure of the event. The small animal market is operated by the association in accordance with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, has its own market organization and responsible persons in the poultry and small animal sector.
Veterinary Office makes it clear: no wild animals on Weilheim's small animal breeding market
"It is a facility that requires approval and is therefore regularly monitored by the authorities," said the district spokesman. "Against the current background, a permanent closure is not justified by veterinary law," it continues. Reason: The Weilheimer Kleintiermarkt is an exclusively bred animal that is sold regionally.
From the point of view of the veterinary office, there is therefore “no possibility of comparison” with Chinese markets in which wild animals, lizards, frogs, mice and insects would be offered for sale as food.
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