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70 years of the Kaufbeuren Animal Welfare Association: A celebration for animals and people!
The Kaufbeuren animal protection association celebrated its 70th anniversary with prominent guests and advocated for necessary renovations.
70 years of the Kaufbeuren Animal Welfare Association: A celebration for animals and people!
A very special event was on the agenda at the weekend in Kaufbeuren: The animal welfare association in Kaufbeuren and the surrounding area celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Beckstetten animal shelter. Numerous guests were invited to the festive celebration, including Kaufbeuren's mayor Stefan Bosse and Bad Wörishofen's mayor Stefan Welzel. The association, which was founded in 1955 as a “community for the protection of animals and plants”, has earned a permanent place in the city over the decades and supports both animals and their owners.
It was founded in the apartment of the then mayor, Dr. Karl Wiebel and his wife Dorothea. The early pioneers also included pharmacist Walter Hindringer, VHS board member Klaus Moerstedt and animal writer Hans-Wilhelm Smolik. The issue of homeless animals was addressed early on and a search was made for suitable accommodation. In 1977, a property near Beckstetten was finally acquired from entrepreneur Max Hübner, and a year later work began on building a functioning animal shelter. The animal shelter is currently home to around 20 dogs and over 70 cats who are waiting for a loving home.
Celebration and challenges
The anniversary event ended on a friendly note with coffee, cake and the exchange of experiences from 70 years of the club's history. A moving moment was the report by the previous chairman Harald Eberhard, who discussed the emotional burdens on the volunteers and the constantly growing number of protégés. The overload of the animal shelter is obvious, and renovation and expansion work is necessary - these would cost around two million euros. Mayor Stefan Bosse promised to support the club in this challenge.
However, there was also a downer: Frank Dämgen, the long-time first chairman of the animal protection association, resigned from his position due to health reasons. Dämgen was instrumental in the reorientation of the animal shelter. Until a new chairman is elected, the second chairman Klaus-Dieter Kittel will continue to run the business. The general meeting at which the new first chairman will be elected is scheduled for late autumn.
Animal protection through the ages
Animal protection has a long history in Germany, which began in the 19th century, when social changes caused by industrialization led to a growing awareness of animal welfare. Animal protection associations were founded to combat animal cruelty, and the first German animal protection association was born in Stuttgart in 1837. Over the years, numerous organizations have been formed to promote animal welfare and draw attention to grievances. Topics such as factory farming and pet protection are more in focus than ever.
Nowadays, animal protection associations and citizens' initiatives play an important role in drawing attention to grievances and finding alternative solutions. The media conveys increasing sensitivity to animal welfare issues, and the result is increasing pressure on politics and business to take appropriate measures. This is also reflected in the future-oriented initiative of the Kaufbeuren animal protection association, which, despite all the challenges, not only stands up for its protégés, but also for a better coexistence between humans and animals. Further details about the activities and history of animal protection can be found at OneStopPetsGuide.
The animal welfare association in Kaufbeuren and the surrounding area looks back on an eventful history and will continue to offer hope and support for many animals and their owners. Before the anniversary celebrations, one thing is clear: we need to get involved and look to the future together!
You can find out more about the anniversary and the past years of the animal protection association at [Merkur](https://www.merkur.de/bayern/schwaben/kaufbeuren-kreisbote/tierschutzverein-kaufbeuren- surroundings-celebrated-70-jaehriges-beesten-93823941.html) and Read KreisBote.