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Inferno on poultry farm: Thousands of chickens fall victim to devastating fire
Major fire in Parchim: 9,500 chickens died, cause unclear. An investigation into negligent arson is ongoing.
Inferno on poultry farm: Thousands of chickens fall victim to devastating fire
In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, a major fire broke out in a stable building on July 7, 2025, which was fatal for more than 9,500 chickens. The causes of the fire in the Ludwigslust-Parchim district are currently unclear, while property damage is estimated at around one million euros. Investigations into negligent arson are already underway, although fire investigators will only be able to begin their work in the coming days due to the high temperatures. The incident is one of a series of devastating fires in stables, which already includes the magnificent fire on March 30, 2021 in Alt Tellin, in which over 50,000 animals died, reports FAZ.
The problem of barn fires concerns agriculture more than ever. In a more recent report from April 14, 2025, there was another fire in a pig fattening facility in Woeten, in which 28 sows and nine piglets died. However, the fire brigade was able to save most of the piglets; fortunately there were no injuries. Here too, the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the criminal police are investigating on suspicion of arson. The damage caused is estimated at around 40,000 euros and the building was classified as at risk of collapse. This case is reminiscent of the terrible events in Alt Tellin, where all 18 stables went up in flames and over 60,000 animals died. Despite the introduction of new guidelines for fire protection in animal husbandry facilities in June 2024, the issue remains explosive, according to the Farmer's newspaper.
Demands for improved fire protection measures
The animal welfare foundation Four Paws has made clear demands to lawmakers in view of the repeated fires. They advocate effective fire protection measures in animal husbandry facilities, which should include fire-protected sections, mobile rescue equipment and access to outdoor areas. There is also a growing demand for a legal basis for improved fire protection in existing animal husbandry facilities. It is becoming increasingly clear that the building law changes and safety standards in the area of animal protection urgently need to be revised.
In Germany, the topic of animal welfare is becoming increasingly controversial, especially in the context of animal husbandry and meat production. Animal welfare organizations such as PETA note the need for increasing awareness of the species-specific needs of animals. The Farm Animal Welfare Council's Five Freedoms, 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 produced in an animal-friendly manner. According to a survey, around 50 percent of respondents believe that animal welfare should play an increasing role in sustainability, according to information from Statista.
The repeated fires in stables shed a bright light on the remaining deficiencies in fire protection. In view of the many suffering animals and the enormous economic damage to companies, one thing is clear: a lot has to change here! It becomes clear again and again that it's not just about economic success - responsibility for the animals must be the top priority.