Inferno on poultry yard: thousands of chicken victims devastating fire

Inferno on poultry yard: thousands of chicken victims devastating fire

Parchim, Deutschland - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a major fire broke out in a stable building on July 7, 2025, which ended fatally for more than 9,500 chickens. The causes of the fire in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district are currently still unclear, while property damage of around one million euros is estimated. Investigations into negligent arson are already underway, although fire investors can only start their work in the coming days due to the high temperatures. The incident is part of a series of devastating fires in stable systems, which includes the magnificent fire on March 30, 2021 in Alt Tellin, in which over 50,000 animals were killed, reports the FAZ .

The problem of the stable fires is more concerned with agriculture than ever. In a recent report on April 14, 2025, another fire occurred in a pig mast system in Woeten, in which 28 sows and nine piglet died. However, the fire brigade was able to save a large part of the piglets, luckily there were no injuries. Here, too, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the criminal police are investigating due to suspicion of arson. The damage incurred is estimated at around 40,000 euros, and the building was classified as at risk of collapse. This is reminiscent of the terrible events in Alt Tellin, where all 18 stables went up in flames and died over 60,000 animals. Despite the introduction of new guidelines for fire protection in animal husbandry plants in June 2024, the topic remains explosive, according to the Bauernzeitung .

claims for improved fire protection measures

The animal protection foundation four paws has made clear demands to the legislators in view of the repeated fires. They advocate effective fire protection measures in animal husbandry plants that should include fire -protected sections, mobile rescue aids and access to free -range. In addition, the requirement for legal foundations for improved fire protection in existing animal husbandry plants is aligned. It is becoming increasingly clear that the building law changes and security standards in the area of ​​animal welfare urgently need to be revised.

In Germany, the topic of animal welfare is increasingly controversial, especially in the context of animal husbandry and meat production. Animal welfare organizations such as PETA find that growing awareness of the species -specific needs of the animals is necessary. The five freedoms of the Farm Animal Welfare Council, which define basic requirements for animal husbandry, are an important part of this discussion. In addition, surveys show that many consumers are willing to pay more for products that are obtained animal -friendly. According to a survey, about 50 percent of those surveyed believe that animal welfare should play an increasing role in sustainability, according to the information from Statista .

The repeated fires in stable systems throw a bright light on the still existing defects in fire protection. In view of the many suffering animals and the enormous economic damage to the companies, it is clear: A lot has to change here! Again and again it becomes clear that it is not just about economic success - responsibility for the animals must be in the top priority.