Exhibitions in Dortmund, Germany for Animals & Pets

Dortmund’s connection to the animal industry comes in the form of Jagd & Hund, which reigns supreme as Europe's largest hunting fair. It’s the premier event for all things hunting from dogs to firearms and hunting gear. The most recent edition has become the centre of controversy as it drew attention from Humane Society International/Europe and 30 other organizations. In a joint letter, they have urged Mayor Thomas Westphal and the Dortmund City Council to cease the sale of trophy hunting trips during Jagd & Hund as it’s a practice that has raised concerns about its impact on wildlife, animal welfare and biodiversity. The fair offers an array of hunting trips, ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros that allow participants to hunt elephants, big cats, rhinos, polar bears and other endangered species. Humane Society International/Europe has long warned about the repercussions of such hunting fairs, linking them to an increase in wildlife product demand. Between 2014 and 2020, Germany imported trophies of 5409 animals from internationally protected species, including leopards, brown bears, hippos, elephants, lions, polar bears and black rhinos. Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, the country director of HSI/Europe in Germany, voiced strong opposition, stating that it is unacceptable for trophy hunting outfitters to legally sell trips to shoot protected species for recreational purposes in 2023. The call for action implores authorities to take a stand against an industry that poses an additional threat to species already struggling for survival. Renowned primatologist and UN peace ambassador Dr. Jane Goodall also joined the plea, expressing shock at the legality of hunting trophies from rare and endangered species. Dr. Goodall urged those responsible to halt the sale of organized trophy hunting trips at the Jagd & Hund fair, aligning with broader animal and species protection efforts.

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