For a long time, as vegans we weren’t sure: are we pro-wolf or pro-sheep? Actually, we are generally pro-animal. Both a wild animal like the wolf, even if it could potentially become dangerous, and an animal in factory farming have a right to life. A difficult balancing act for us.
After the disgusting discussions with some grazing animal owners, especially shepherds, we decided with a heavy heart to side with the wolf. Ultimately, simply for reasons of mathematics: if the wolf causes shepherds to give up their animal husbandry through wolf attacks, then the wolf contributes to animal welfare. At least in sum.
The shepherds always try very hard to make it clear how much they love their animals. There is basically only the animal-loving shepherd who raises his sheep with a bottle, gives each one a name and loves them fiercely and deeply. Earning money is – of course – absolutely secondary. Because the animals are only used to protect people and nature. At least that’s what most shepherds want us to believe.
Poor grassland and heath areas would be protected from bush encroachment, thereby giving many rare animal and plant species a home. Yes that is correct. But remember: the heath areas are not natural, they are created by human hands. Wild animals such as deer and red deer could also take over the care, but humans, in their never-ending wisdom, have driven them into the forest. Alternatively, as here in Siegerland, such areas are even maintained with a tank. It may seem strange, but biologists think it’s more ecological, more economical, in short: better, than doing it with sheep. Ultimately, the statement that sheep protect nature is just a legitimation for keeping these animals and making money from their oppression and ultimately slaughter.
And if sheep don’t exactly save nature, then people do, because if you believe the shepherds, sheep farming exists almost exclusively to maintain dikes and thus to protect people. Of course you make money with it, but the end justifies the means.
The care of heath, poor grassland and dikes is referred to as “ecological sheep farming”.
As sheep farmers explained to us, wool no longer plays a role in the economy. With wool, which is ultimately just a waste product, you don’t even make enough money to finance the shearing yourself.
Let’s take a look at the facts and figures that these animal-loving shepherds spread:
- In November 2020 there were around 1.5 million sheep in Germany
- most of them in Bavaria (252,000), Baden-Württemberg (207,000) and Schleswig-Holstein (197,000)
- 14% of all sheep are in so-called ecological sheep farming. That means: around 210,000 sheep
- The consumption of sheep meat in Germany was 33,000 tons in 2020, i.e. the equivalent of around 2,200,000 animals
- This means that meat production is also the largest economic branch, especially the marketing of lambs (animals up to 12 months old).
- The Islamic festival of sacrifice “Kurban Bayrami” is often the most important marketing date of the year for sheep farmers.
Let the wolf live and help to decrease the number of slaughtered sheep due to a growing number of sheep farms giving up. Yes, some sheep will have to die, which we regret. In fact, the sum of killed sheep will decrease with every sacrificed sheep with a high factor. Being “pro-wolf” is being “pro-sheep”.
Lets remember: 2,200,000 animals die every year in/for Germany alone to consume meat and make money. If you would like to see what such a slaughter looks like, you can do so here.
