Animal protection has also been an important issue in 2011. The determination of abuse in connection with housing breeding sows in gestation crates, as well as the recommendation to amend the Animal Husbandry Regulation to the Animal Protection Act triggered demonstrations by affected farmers at my consultation days. I have made it clear that the AOB did carefully consider all facts when making its legal assessment. It was never the intention to discredit a profession. The Animal Protection Act that was adopted unanimously in 2005 was called one of the strictest laws in Europe and emphasised its orientation toward recognised animal protection standards. After tough negotiations, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management and the Federal Ministry of Health agreed shortly before the end of the year on a negotiation result that should bring improvements in the medium term. Animal Protection case triggers demonstrations by farmers 35