On World Animal Day 2021
From the perspective of Gut Aiderbichl
Even more animal welfare is needed
Animal welfare must be given a higher political priority. We can expect better conditions from the government for animals in agriculture, for the promotion of non-animal research methods and for better protection of pets and wild animals. Those who want climate protection must also think about animal protection.
Animals in agriculture must be better protected and animal testing must be replaced by alternative methods. Measures against illegal puppy trade must become more tangible, such as with a ban on animal trade on online sales platforms.
World Animal Day
Francis of Assisi saw the animal as a living creature of God and a brother of man. The animal protection patron tirelessly preached that all are equal in the sense of creation, and he lived this guiding principle for people. He even regarded a small earthworm as a will of God and therefore worthy of protection.
Animals cannot speak for themselves and that is why it is so important that we humans raise our voices for them. They were the first creatures on this earth. Animals were domesticated and many have become man's working animals: the elephants, the camels, the horses and also the donkeys. Many farm animals and their products are processed into food. Countless cattle, pigs, horses, turkeys etc. are bred under mostly undignified conditions, picked up by live animal transporters and driven to the slaughterhouse.
"All animals want to be free" - Albert Schweitzer
What happened to all the breeding animals waiting to be slaughtered in their cramped pens during the lockdowns due to the pandemic? How many animals were in the experimental laboratories for covid vaccination trials?
From the beginning of the world, animals grazed in the meadows, monkeys lived in freedom in the jungles. From immemorial time, goats, sheep and cattle were kept for milk production. People's consumer behaviour has changed. Animals currently spend their short lives in mass breeding and end up in household freezers.
"We humans are not the only ones with personality" - Jane Goodall
Did you know that every chicken has its own strong personality? Many chickens live in battery cages. A few years ago, Gut Aiderbichl took in such chickens. They no longer had feathers and Anita knitted them jumpers, because they were completely naked, skinny and psychologically disturbed.
Former organic chickens also live at Gut Aiderbichl. They were in a pitiful condition and should have been slaughtered after about 1.5 years of laying. How does this behaviour fit in with organic? Our rescued organic chickens now have thick feathers again and cluck happily away. They live in freedom, go into their hen houses in the evening or sleep in the tree, just as chickens like to do to protect themselves from their natural enemies.
Young foals lose their mothers at the foal market
I am thinking now specifically of Katharina, by now a proud Mohrenkopf Noriker mare. Michael Aufhauser bought her from a horse dealer. No one else wanted her. She was sad and nervous. In the Aiderbichl stable Katharina didn't really want to eat and kept holding her head over the stable, door and whinnying for the mare. Michael Aufhauser was able to fulfil her wish. Many know the famous story of Katharina, who got her horse mama Mariandl back.
Nonius, also a Noriker foal, was to be slaughtered when he was six months old. He was fortunately rescued, and became part of our family. Soon he had found a friend for life, Fidelio, a former police horse.
The heart of the Aiderbichl people beats for the animals. We try to save and protect their lives and promise them a forever home until the end. Animal welfare means listening and looking, rethinking and acting.
Sincerely, your Gisela