Remembering Alt tellin: A Community Reflects

The BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) Neubrandenburg is hosting a film evening to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the catastrophic fire at the Alt Tellin pig farm. The event, scheduled for April 24th at 5 PM at the BUND office (Friedländer Str. 12), will feature two short films totaling approximately 75 minutes, documenting the history of protests surrounding the farm and the events of the fire itself.

Corinna Cwielag, the state manager of BUND Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, will be present as a subject matter expert, offering insights and context to the discussion.

A Call for Dialog: Post-Screening Discussion

Following the film screenings, attendees are invited to participate in an open discussion about the issues raised. This provides a crucial platform for community members to share their perspectives on animal welfare, industrial farming practices, and the regulatory oversight of such facilities.

The event is supported by the “Stadtnatur instead of asphalt – citizens for biodiversity” project, funded by “Bingo! The environmental lottery” and the postcode lottery, highlighting the community’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable practices.

The Alt Tellin Fire: A Catastrophe Revisited

The fire on March 30, 2021, at the Alt Tellin mega-farm resulted in the tragic deaths of over 60,000 pigs, either burned alive or suffocated by smoke. the rapid spread of the fire was attributed to the absence of adequate firewalls, a consequence of authorities granting notable exemptions to state building regulations. These exemptions allowed for fire sections to be 13 times larger than normally permitted, effectively hindering firefighters’ ability to contain the blaze and rescue the animals.

The scale of the Alt Tellin fire was unprecedented, exposing critical flaws in the oversight and regulation of large-scale animal farming.

Within a year, the remains of the facility were wholly cleared, but the questions surrounding the tragedy linger.

Legal Battles and Future Implications

The operating permit for the Alt Tellin mega-farm was set to expire on March 30, 2024. According to Section 18 (1) number 2 of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG), a permit lapses if an investment is not operational for more than three years.Though, Schweinzucht Alt Tellin GmbH applied for an extension of the approval period on November 20, 2023, under section 18 (3) BImSchG.

This application remains pending. Granting the extension could perhaps allow for future operation without a renewed examination of animal welfare standards or ensuring adequate rescue measures in the event of another fire. This has raised concerns among animal rights activists and environmental groups, who argue for stricter regulations and greater accountability in the agricultural sector.

The debate surrounding Alt Tellin underscores the ongoing tension between agricultural production, economic interests, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare. As of 2024,Germany houses over 26 million pigs,primarily in intensive farming operations. Incidents like the Alt Tellin fire highlight the urgent need for improved safety standards and a more sustainable approach to animal agriculture.