GERMANY’S STRICT ANIMAL PROTECTION LAW Germany has some of the strongest animal welfare laws in the world. Under its Animal Welfare Act, killing a vertebrate animal without a “reasonable cause” — such as illness or threat to human safety — is illegal. This legal framework has led to the widespread adoption of no-kill policies in shelters across the country. Organizations focus heavily on adoption, foster networks, and long-term care rather than euthanasia. Important Details: • Killing animals wi