Bremen approves plans for first wildlife rescue station

The Bremen Bürgerschaft has approved a coalition motion from the SPD, Greens, and The Left to establish the city-state's first dedicated rescue station for wild animals. Currently, approximately 1,500 injured, weakened, or orphaned wild animals—such as hedgehogs, squirrels, and ducks—are cared for annually by local animal shelters without state funding.

Holger Welt, SPD spokesperson for animal welfare, noted that using animal shelters for wild animals is not a sustainable long-term solution due to limited resources and the potential risk of spreading diseases and epidemics. The new initiative aims to create a comprehensive concept led by the state animal welfare officer to find a suitable location, which must include a separate quarantine station.

The Senate is now tasked with developing a viable plan, including determining management and funding models. Options being considered include a model managed by an association, similar to practices in Lower Saxony, which would rely on a combination of state operating subsidies, membership fees, and donations.