Erfurt (dpa/th) – Six farms and individuals were awarded the Thuringian Animal Welfare Prize on Monday. They received the prize for species-appropriate animal husbandry or voluntary work in animal welfare, as announced by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Winners among the farms are the agricultural cooperative Niederpöllnitz (district of Greiz), the organic farm Peter Jederak (district of Eichsfeld) – they keep dairy cattle and cattle for fattening – and the ostrich farm in Kleinhettstedt (district of Ilm).
The alternative Bärenpark Worbis, in which wild animals such as bears and wolves, but also pets and farm animals live, was honored for its commitment to animal welfare, as was the chairwoman of the Gotha-Uelleben animal shelter association, Bärbel Bärwolf. The recently deceased longtime chairman of the Thuringia State Animal Welfare Association, Gerd Fischer, was honored posthumously.
According to the ministry, the recipients are examples of the tireless work of animal welfare associations, animal shelter associations, private individuals, farms and organizations in the Free State. “They all make a remarkable contribution to the welfare of the animals, often with great personal commitment,” wrote Social Affairs Minister Heike Werner (left) in a statement. 19 suggestions were received for this year’s animal protection prize, which is endowed with 6,000 euros in each of the two categories.