For a quarter of a century, we have been working effectively to protect animals–together with people like you. 2025 was a particularly successful year. Read on to find out why.
Broiler Initiative: Edeka is on board
A milestone for millions of animals: Edeka, Germany's largest food retailer, has set binding targets in line with the Broiler Initiative for the first time–because you and we put pressure on them! This is a groundbreaking step for the industry.
It will take some time for the planned improvements to reach the chickens. That's why we regularly review how companies are progressing with the transition in our Pecking Order Report–more extensively than ever before in 2025. The result: there are still some obstacles and blockages, but many companies are showing genuine commitment.
New and committed since 2025 is V-Markt, a regional supermarket that will convert its entire fresh meat range, not just its own brand. Wholesaler Innstolz Frischdienst is also new on board and will help improve the availability of compliant products. The Dekra Congresshotel Wart has also joined the initiative and already sources only chicken meat that meets the standards of the Broiler Initiative.
Very well received: Round table & Parliamentary Evening
Improvements in animal welfare can only be achieved if business and politics work together. This is precisely where our Round Table comes in, which once again brought experts and decision-makers together for a constructive exchange in 2025. Immediately afterwards, a Parliamentary Evening was held for the first time in 2025, further deepening the dialogue with politicians.
Politics & law: Enormous participation on the topic of EU animal welfare laws
A political highlight in 2025 was the EU Consultation. The European Commission regularly asks citizens for their views on specific topics – in this case, whether EU animal welfare laws are still up to date and how they need to be improved. We were able to mobilize a large number of people to participate. The Commission counted 236,520 submissions. That is a clear mandate!
There was also cause for cautious optimism on the legal front: the German Federal Administrative Court allowed our turkey farming lawsuit to be reviewed, paving the way for a third instance. We hope this will lead to further clarification, for example with regard to beak trimming and housing conditions.
Progress for animals in aquaculture, also internationally
The Aquaculture Welfare Standards Initiative (AWSI), which we finance, expanded its work to Europe and Africa.
A key success: the certifier and AWSI founding member ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) switched to improved criteria in 2025. With the ASC, the GlobalGAP corporate initiative, and Naturland, three seals now fully comply with the AWSI's animal welfare recommendations.
Thank you – and here's to a successful 2026
None of this progress would have been possible without you. Whether you donate, participate in campaigns and actions, or share our content with friends and acquaintances – together, we are making the world a little better for animals with every step we take. We would also like to express our special thanks to our activists, who organized 129 actions in 2025.