Animal Cruelty Allegations rock Poultry Slaughterhouse in Seddiner See, Prompting Criminal Complaint
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A disturbing examination into alleged animal cruelty at a poultry slaughterhouse in seddiner See, Germany, has triggered a criminal complaint filed by the animal protection association aninova. The allegations, supported by video evidence, detail mistreatment of geese and ducks and have prompted immediate action from the company, including the dismissal of one employee and disciplinary measures against another.
Aninova Exposes Disturbing Practices
The animal rights group Aninova released footage reportedly captured between November 8th and December 5th, 2025, at a facility located in the municipality of Seddiner See. The video purportedly shows egregious mistreatment of live animals, including transport boxes being thrown to the ground and employees physically abusing geese and ducks.According to Aninova, employees were observed roughly grabbing the birds by their necks, violently removing them from boxes, and striking them with hands and fists.
“The images show a level of violence that leaves you speechless,” stated Jan Peifer, CEO of Aninova. He emphasized the particularly shocking nature of the abuse, noting that it wasn’t isolated to a single individual but appeared to involve multiple employees.
Company Response and Internal Investigation
Facing mounting pressure, the poultry company has taken swift action. According to a statement released by Managing Director Miko Pabel, an employee identified in the video engaging in abusive behavior was instantly dismissed. A second employee received a formal warning under labor law and is no longer permitted to access the area where live animals are kept.
The company also announced plans to install camera surveillance in the live animal holding area to enhance monitoring and accountability. The products from this slaughterhouse are sold under the brand name “dithmarscher-Gewickel” and are distributed to major retailers including Kaufland, Globus, Metro, Rewe, and Edeka.
Investigation Widens, Concerns grow
The operator of the slaughterhouse expressed surprise at the allegations to RBB, stating they were unaware of the video recordings and maintain the business operates properly with daily inspections from official veterinarians. However,Aninova has already alerted both the veterinary office of the Potsdam-Mittelmark district and the Ministry of Agriculture in Potsdam.
In addition to the internal investigation, a formal criminal complaint has been filed with the potsdam public prosecutor’s office. This incident is not isolated; Aninova has recently brought similar concerns to light regarding three chicken farms in Brandenburg, prompting investigations by the public prosecutor’s office. Furthermore,in April,the organization published footage from a cattle farm in the Uckermark.
This latest case underscores growing concerns about animal welfare practices within the German agricultural industry.
Expanded News report – answering the “Why, Who, What, and how”
Why: The allegations of animal cruelty surfaced due to an investigation by the animal protection organization Aninova, who sought to expose perhaps illegal and unethical practices within the poultry industry. The underlying reason for the abuse appears to be a disregard for animal welfare standards and potentially, pressure to process animals quickly.
Who: The key players are: Aninova,the animal rights organization that conducted the investigation and filed the criminal complaint; the
