Goose dispute in Marienhafe: Ludwig Smidt fights for his animals!

Goose dispute in Marienhafe: Ludwig Smidt fights for his animals!

In Marienhafe, a tranquil town in the Aurich district, an 81-year-old pensioner named Ludwig Smidt is at the center of a lively argument about his animals. Smidt keeps geese, chickens and ducks and has received both support and opposition from the neighborhood for his small animal farm. On Monday, Smidt and committed neighbors handed over a petition to the Aurich district fighting to preserve its animals. Thanks to this, this petition has active supporters on the platform change.org Around 67,500 signatures had already been collected by Monday NDR reported.

The situation has become more explosive in the last few days. A demonstration took place on Tuesday in which around 160 people gathered in the market square to demonstrate for Smidt's right to keep his animals. The neighborhood initiative that organized the protest is determined to support it. The picture of solidarity becomes even clearer when one considers that many Marienhafe residents side with Smidt, while some neighbors have complained about the noise and smell of the animals.

A balancing act between animal protection and neighborhood rights

The discussion about animal husbandry also has legal implications. The Aurich district is currently examining whether a ban on keeping the animals needs to be issued. It is also examined whether keeping animals violates public building law or whether the neighbors are unreasonably affected. Particularly explosive: One of Smidt's animal species is under species protection and could be banned from 2026 ZDF informed.

In order to find a solution, the district plans to hold discussions with neighbors and the animal owner. It remains to be seen whether a compromise can be found that does justice to both sides. While some neighbors have already expressed their dissatisfaction, the majority of the community would rather live together harmoniously.

The debate about Smidt's animals not only occupied the local press, but also moved a wider audience. This shows the wave of support change.org that the topic affects many people and that they are committed to preserving animal husbandry.

In the end, it is to be hoped that an amicable solution will be found that respects both the rights of animal owners and the concerns of neighbors. In Marienhafe, the animals and their owners are not only a small part of village life, but also a symbol of community and the coexistence of people and nature.