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Central Association of Zoological Specialist Businesses Hosts Fifth Dialogue Conference in Berlin
On May 14, 2025, the Central Association of Zoological Specialist Businesses e.V. (ZZF) brought together politicians, animal experts, and educational institutions for its fifth dialogue conference in Berlin. The conference, themed "We're in for the Animal," resulted in a series of political demands related to pet care and education.
In a press release following the conference, the ZZF emphasized the importance of improving life with pets as a societal task. The day-long event took place at the House of the Federal Press Conference, where around 100 participants deliberated on topics such as "Handling Pets in Childhood and in Education" and "Dogs in Public Spaces."
Norbert Holthenrich, President of the ZZF, opened the conference by stating that early contact with animals is essential for animal welfare. Dr. Katharina Ameli from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Animal Welfare Research and 3R at Justus-Liebig University Gießen furthered this sentiment, stressing the importance of a reciprocal communication between humans and animals for empathetic interaction.
The first panel discussion focused on animal care in education. Experts agreed that curricula should incorporate animal husbandry knowledge more extensively, with pet care concepts being developed for their integration into classrooms, starting from teacher training programs. Kindergartens and schools play a crucial role in fostering animal expertise, responsibility, and empathy, the panelists contended.
In the second panel, participants discussed the coexistence of dog owners and non-dog owners in public spaces. They emphasized the need for mutual respect, flexible city planning to accommodate dogs, and a focus on communication over regulation. Hermann Färber, a member of the German Bundestag, also advocated for prevention, education, and self-responsibility in his closing remarks. He stressed the importance of the pet trade in providing quality products and expert advice essential to responsible pet ownership.
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The enrichment data suggests a strong regulatory focus on animal welfare in Germany, as seen in initiatives targeting animal experimentation alternatives and a culture supporting the role of dogs in society. To delve deeper into the specifics of integrating animal knowledge into German school curricula, one may look into the educational policies or initiatives of organizations like the ZZF.
- The first panel discussion at the ZZF conference highlighted the need for curricula to incorporate animal husbandry knowledge more extensively, as education plays a crucial role in fostering animal expertise, responsibility, and empathy.
- In addressing the coexistence of dog owners and non-dog owners in public spaces, participants stressed the importance of particpants focusing on communication over regulation, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and flexible city planning.
