As of: February 19, 2024, 6:30 a.m
By: Andreas Steppan
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The artisanal butchers in the district, such as Karl Weber in Lenggries, work with regional farmers, sometimes slaughter themselves and, according to their own statements, keep a close eye on animal welfare - even without an “animal welfare cent”.
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The idea of a meat tax is not met with much approval among butchers in the district.
For them, there are many arguments that speak against the recently discussed “animal welfare cent”.
Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen
- Some call it an "animal welfare cent", others speak of a "meat tax": The idea of charging a tax on meat and sausage and then allowing this money to benefit farmers is currently being discussed again. who are investing in a new animal welfare stable.
This proposal, which is supported by Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens), is met with skepticism among butchers in the district.
“I don’t think much of it at all,” says the Tölz butcher Klaus Rottenwallner.
He is convinced that the income from the “animal welfare cent” would ultimately not reach where it is really needed.
“The money would flow into the federal budget and plug holes there.” “I don't believe in any other political promises,” says Rottenwallner.
“Animal welfare cent”?
Butchers in the district skeptical
From a consumer perspective, however, the meat tax – no matter how high it ends up being – makes the product more expensive.
Rottenwaller's fear: “The customer then chooses cheaper products – for example meat that is imported from abroad.
And then where is animal welfare?”
In order to guarantee greater animal welfare, Rottenwallner believes other ways make more sense.
In his opinion, the current system with different husbandry levels should be abolished.
“That only serves the interests of the big players.” Instead, he advocates for a uniform standard: Is the husbandry animal-friendly, yes or no?
The state should check whether criteria such as sufficient stable space or sufficient exercise are met and then issue a kind of TÜV sticker.
“As butchers, we are also monitored, for example in terms of hygiene.”
From comfort loungers to cleaning machines: we've done a lot
His Bichler colleague Rudi Kramer also says he is “not a fan” of the “animal welfare cent”.
When it comes to this topic, “two hearts beat in my chest,” as he says.
“As a slaughtering company, animal welfare is very important to us,” he emphasizes.
Once on site, he kept a close eye on the animal's entire path.
Animal welfare is in its own economic interest because customers expect the corresponding quality.
At the same time, he is also a farmer himself – “we keep suckler cows” – and from this perspective he is critical of the meat tax.
Kramer fears: “Agriculture will be divided.” If the “animal welfare cent” actually supports farmers who invest in animal welfare stables, farmers in the north and east of Germany would have nothing to benefit from.
The farmers, who had already invested a lot of money in the conversion in the past, would also be left behind.
“A lot has already been done in our region – from comfortable loungers to cleaning machines, and there is often additional exercise in the playpens so that the animals can go out and enjoy the weather.”
Rudi Kramer from Bichl is also not a fan of the “animal welfare cent”.
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From Kramer's point of view, the effect would be clear: meat would become more expensive and his sales as a butcher would fall "because people are saving".
In his opinion, this is also a more or less hidden goal of the “animal welfare cent”.
“That would be a reduction in animal husbandry through the back door.” He himself is not someone who says that people should eat meat every day.
“I’d rather only do it two or three times a week, but then it’s something good.”
The Lenggrieser butcher Karl Weber sees it exactly the same way.
He also supports the goal of animal welfare with full conviction.
“It is very important that the animals are well.
Only if the farmer has healthy livestock can we have
the
highest quality meat.” And that in turn is also crucial for human health.
Prices have risen sharply since Corona anyway
According to its own information, the Weber butcher's shop sources its meat exclusively from farmers in the Isarwinkel region.
This guarantees short transport routes and a stress-free process until slaughter.
Thanks to our own slaughterhouse, we have control over compliance with all regulations.
With some cheap offers from discounters, it is of course questionable how such prices come about.
Could a meat tax improve something in this sector?
Weber is undecided.
But he generally finds it difficult when taxes across the board make the cost of living more expensive in all areas.
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The Geretsried butcher Andreas Länger also says: “Prices have risen sharply since Corona anyway.” If another factor were added that made meat more expensive, that wouldn’t be good.
“It should still be within reasonable limits for the end consumer.” Large companies would then be able to compensate for something like this more easily, but it would be more likely to affect small, craft businesses.
And whether a meat tax would actually ensure greater animal welfare, “I doubt that,” says Länger.
In any case, he knows his suppliers very well in his own company.
Animal welfare is guaranteed – even without an “animal welfare cent”.
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