50 years of love for animals: Fulda-Hünfeld animal shelter is celebrating a big anniversary!

50 years of love for animals: Fulda-Hünfeld animal shelter is celebrating a big anniversary!

The Fulda-Hünfeld animal shelter is celebrating an impressive anniversary this year: 50 years ago, in 1974, the animal shelter association was founded by Heinrich Beck and committed animal protection associations from Fulda and Hünfeld. Construction of the animal shelter began in 1975 and after four years a home for dogs, cats and other animals was created. Since then, the animal shelter has grown continuously and has developed into an important contact point for animals in need through numerous expansions, such as additional exercise areas and a cat wing. In a nutshell: Animal protection is a top priority here! Fuldaer Zeitung reports on the fundamental changes that the animal shelter has undergone over the years, including the fundamental renovation in 1998, when the old building was demolished and rebuilt.

To properly celebrate the 50th anniversary, a colorful summer festival took place on June 15, 2025. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., animal lovers had the opportunity to experience a day full of highlights. The singer Kathi Heumüller performed and the Vogelsberg rescue dog team showed off their skills. There were also photo opportunities with a professional photographer and the opportunity to get to know the animal shelter's long-term residents. A raffle, information and sales stands as well as a flea market for pet supplies created a happy atmosphere and supported a good cause. All proceeds go to the animals in the shelter, as stated on the shelter's website. However, there was no animal adoption on this special day to keep the focus on the celebrations.

Challenges in animal protection

But the animal shelter faces some challenges. The team, which consists of employees and many volunteer members, is faced with increasing costs for staff, veterinary and maintenance. The number of animals to be cared for is also increasing, which represents a major challenge. Eva Niggemann-Ziehe, the chairwoman of the board, is optimistic: “Awareness of animal protection has increased, but this sometimes leads to ill-advised animal purchases,” as the animal shelter website further explains.

The topic of animal welfare is a much-discussed topic in Germany, as Statista notes. It not only affects animals in animal shelters, but also in livestock farming and beyond. Controversial aspects of animal husbandry and egg production put animal welfare to the test. The five freedoms of the Farm Animal Welfare Council are essential criteria for ensuring the welfare of the animals. Animal protection measures are necessary to take species-specific needs into account and to eliminate grievances.

The work in the Fulda-Hünfeld animal shelter is varied and often difficult, but thanks to the support of the municipalities in the Fulda district and, above all, numerous donations, it is possible to offer the animals a safe home. Wilma, an animal resident of the animal shelter, thanks the supporters on behalf of all the residents. Despite all these challenges and the joyful moments through celebrations like the summer festival, the focus remains clearly on the animals: “Together we can do it!”