AfD politician denied dog adoption by welfare group over political affiliation

The animal welfare organization ‘Fortuna Animali’ has refused to allow Vanessa Behrendt, a member of the AfD in the Lower Saxony state parliament, to adopt a setter dog named Setia from abroad.

According to leaked WhatsApp communications, the organization explicitly cited Behrendt’s political affiliation as the reason for the refusal. A representative from the association stated, ‘Due to your political affiliation, we refrain from an adoption of a foreign dog to you!’

Behrendt, who is a dog therapist and lives on a large property with her family and several other animals, expressed her disappointment, stating that animal welfare and child protection should not have a political color. She argued that the decision prioritizes political views over providing a loving home for the animal, noting that the dog would have been better off in her care than remaining in a shelter.