Germany: Lower Saxony Tightens Animal Welfare Rules for Cattle

According to a press release issued on 30 October 2025, new regulations have been introduced in the German federal state of Lower Saxony concerning the castration of young male calves: such procedures may now only be performed under sedation and with the administration of a painkiller effective for at least 24 hours. In addition, following the Council of Europe’s Recommendation concerning Cattle, the state encourages farmers to perform castrations of male animals of any age only under full anaesthesia. The combined use of a sedative and pain relief is intended not only to significantly reduce animal suffering but also to improve safety during the procedure, as sedated animals remain calm and do not exhibit pain-induced defensive movements. Scientific studies clearly show that also very young calves experience pain during castration. Nevertheless, throughout Germany the castration of young calves without anaesthesia remains legally permitted at the national level.