Brandenburg duck farm faces criminal complaint over alleged animal cruelty
Brandenburg duck farm faces criminal complaint over alleged animal cruelty
Ducks allegedly tortured in duck farm? Accusations refuted - Brandenburg duck farm faces criminal complaint over alleged animal cruelty
An animal rights group has filed a criminal complaint against a Brandenburg farm after undercover footage appeared to show workers mistreating ducks. The video allegedly depicts ducks being kicked, thrown, and lifted by their wings during loading. Brandenburg's state animal welfare commissioner has already described the actions as clear violations of animal welfare laws.
The farm's lawyer strongly denies the claims, insisting the footage does not prove any legal breaches. Meanwhile, the Frankfurt (Oder) public prosecutor's office has yet to confirm whether it has received the complaint.
The allegations centre on footage showing ducks being handled roughly while being loaded for transport. The animal rights group claims workers systematically kicked, threw, and yanked the birds by their wings. State animal welfare commissioner Anne Zinke has stated that such treatment clearly breaches welfare standards.
The farm's legal representative rejects these accusations. According to the lawyer, the ducks—male mallards—are physically robust and can support themselves with their wings without pain. The lawyer also argues that the footage shows workers herding the birds with their feet, not kicking them. When lifting the ducks, the lawyer maintains, workers grasp the strong upper arm bone, a method claimed to cause no distress.
This is not the first time the farm has faced scrutiny. In 2023, prosecutors investigated similar allegations but dropped the case. Public records and official statements up to February 2026 show no further documented complaints against the farm since then.
In response to the latest claims, the farm has introduced extra measures to improve handling procedures. The changes aim to ensure better compliance with animal welfare standards.
The Frankfurt (Oder) prosecutor's office has not yet acknowledged receiving the complaint. If accepted, the case could lead to a formal investigation into the farm's practices. For now, the farm maintains its handling methods are lawful and that the footage has been misinterpreted.