New revelations: Animal welfare scandal in Halver shakes agriculture!

New revelations: Animal welfare scandal in Halver shakes agriculture!

The animal protection organization ANINOVA has published new, damning evidence of abuses at a pig farm in Halver, North Rhine-Westphalia, which is run by a prominent farm official. On October 30, 2025, numerous media reported on the alarming conditions that have prevailed in animal husbandry for years. The operator of the system is not only managing director of the Farmers and Winegrowers Association of Rhineland-Nassau e.V., but also has responsibility for the Ahrweiler district association.
Thanks to new video material from 2024 and internal inspection documents that document grievances that have existed since 2016, it is now clear that there have been serious deficiencies in animal husbandry for years. The photographs show sick, injured and emaciated animals in unhygienic stables, which draws public awareness to the tragedy of animal suffering.

A look at the internal QS documents shows that violations have been repeatedly identified since 2016. Deficiencies such as a lack of employment material and overcrowding in the stables were already documented back then. In 2023, serious defects occurred in drinking troughs, lighting and water supplies. The partial improvements, which only took place in spring 2024, came too late for the affected animals. The farm includes around 440 sows and 2,300 piglets and has been working in cooperation with Westfleisch as part of the “BestFerkel” program since 2015. Even if Westfleisch ended the supply relationship in 2022, the process remains sensitive because the company is still registered as a “QS bundler”.

Interest and measures of the authorities

The videos and reports released by ANINOVA have made waves. With over 960,000 views on Instagram, the heated discussion about animal welfare and consumer responsibility has gained momentum. ANINOVA has handed over the new material to the Dortmund public prosecutor's office for investigation. The veterinary office has already repeatedly confirmed the company's complaints. The QS system reacted and blocked operations due to the repeated violations.
The allegations inevitably raise the question of how strictly the existing animal protection laws are actually implemented. According to Tierschutzbund, animals are defined as fellow creatures who feel pain and suffering. However, there are significant deficiencies in the legislation that lead to typical grievances like these.

Suspicions of animal cruelty should definitely be taken seriously. Every citizen should be aware of animal protection and be prepared to report any grievances immediately. Experts recommend securing evidence such as photos and statements to protect animals from further suffering. A report should also be made to the responsible authorities as quickly as possible.

Raise consumer awareness and take responsibility

At a time when awareness of animal welfare is growing, ANINOVA calls on consumers to avoid animal products and opt for plant-based alternatives. Everyone has the opportunity to make a statement through conscious purchasing decisions. It remains to be hoped that such grievances are not just one-off exceptions, but rather provide grounds for far-reaching changes in the industry.
The sad picture of the animals affected by injustice shows that a rethink is necessary here. Responsibility for animal protection should not only lie with the authorities, but also to a certain extent with each individual consumer.