New animal shelter in the Göttingen district: solution to an acute lack of space!

New animal shelter in the Göttingen district: solution to an acute lack of space!

The Göttingen district is facing a challenge: the severe shortage of animal shelter capacity is putting a strain on both animal protection work and the care of animals in need. The district's environmental committee has now majority supported an application from the FDP parliamentary group, which would provide for the creation of a working group for a central animal shelter location. This was done by the HNA picked up.

A look at the region makes it clear: the nearest animal shelter in Duderstadt is far from being able to cover all of the needs in this wide area. Even the animal protection associations in Northeim and Osterode cannot completely close the gap. The closure of the animal shelter in Göttingen and the former animal shelter in Hann. Münden make the situation even more precarious. Nicole Herthum, the first chairwoman of the Hann Animal Welfare Association. Münden, emphasizes the acute need for accommodation capacity for animals.

An integrative approach

The FDP suggests developing a concept based on the successful example of the animal shelter in Oldenburg. The aim is to find a sustainable solution that involves volunteers, nature conservation associations and sponsors. The Göttingen Society for Economic Development and Urban Development (GWG) and the Göttingen Economic Region (WRG), among others, could offer support.

The working group will consist of the interaction of all political factions in the city and the district. This concept could potentially be taken into account in the new budget for 2027. New habitats for found, surrendered and sheltered animals, veterinary care as well as animal placement and advice for potential animal owners should also be taken into account.

Animal protection is a community task

In the context of animal protection, the question of animal welfare is often raised. We also have information about this from the Statista receive. In Germany there are now around 34 million pets, including dogs, cats and small animals, in private households. Ensuring animal welfare is becoming increasingly important for many consumers, which is reflected not only in the care of animals, but also in the general increase in donations for animal welfare. In 2023, around 8.3 percent of private donations went to this area.

Animal shelters play a central role here, as they not only act as a contact point for missing or surrendered animals, but are also important partners for people living alone. Animal shelters can help, especially if there are care problems during hospital stays.

The need for a new animal shelter is becoming increasingly urgent in the Göttingen region. The planned working group and the desired cooperation between all groups give hope that a solution can soon be found to reduce the pressure on the existing structures. Until then, animal protection in the region remains a community task that requires both political commitment and voluntary support.

The animal shelter in Göttingen is the first point of contact for animal protection in the area. Dogs, cats, small animals, birds and even reptiles are adopted here. Foster homes complement the work of the animal shelter and give animals a temporary home. Further information about the placement and services of the Göttingen Animal Welfare Association can be found on the association's website, which provides an overview of the animals currently available. The Animal shelter website is an important resource for both potential pet owners and people who want to adopt animals in need.