Frank Rosin: This is what the Animal Welfare Association says about the animal cruelty allegations

In the Sat.1 show “Who cooks the best for the guests?” At the end of August, Cornelia Poletto cooked in a competition. The 58-year-old threw crabs into the hot fat for an appetizer. At least one was still alive. But this is animal cruelty, criticizes the German Animal Welfare Association. “Killing crustaceans by frying is lengthy and painful and is therefore expressly forbidden by law,” it says – the organization has reported the TV chef for this.

Press spokeswoman Kerstin van Kan explains in star-Interview the current case and says what more we can all do for our fellow inhabitants on earth.

Ms. van Kan, what were your motives for the ad?
We have decided to file a complaint and make it public in order to give the often “forgotten animal species” a voice. Animal species with which we deal comparatively less, show them less empathy or do not even know exactly what their species’ needs are or are even produced in order to later end up on our plates.

How do crabs feel?
According to a recent report from our European animal protection umbrella organization “Eurogroup for Animals” and the animal protection organization “Compassion in World Farming”, 69 percent of German respondents agreeagree that fish and other aquatic animals are capable of feeling pain. However, almost half of those surveyed said they had little knowledge of aquaculture or fishing practices. In Europe, but also in their countries of origin such as Asia, crustaceans have to endure various pain, suffering and damage due to common production practices. It is important to us that consumers engage more intensively with these production processes and reflect on their consumer behavior.

A cooking show like “Who cooks the best for the guests?”, which is currently the topic, should be a role model, right?
It is precisely such cooking programs and the behavior of chefs who are in the public eye that can help to carry forward the idea of ​​animal protection and set a good example: In the northern Italian region of Emilia, for example, cooking lobsters without prior stunning is prohibited, among other things because chefs have spoken out against this painful method of killing.

You were informed about the animal welfare violation by a letter from an attentive TV viewer. What was the message?
“Hello, I just saw Frank Rosin frying live crayfish on TV Sat.1. That’s not possible from a technical and animal welfare point of view, and then on TV. As far as I know, lobsters, crabs, etc. have to be thrown alive into boiling water, Because anesthetizing is not really possible. Maybe you could look into the matter. The program may be available in the media library.”

Where was the report filed?
The complaint against Frank Rosin was addressed to the Recklinghausen district administration responsible for his business address – veterinary and food control – and is now being examined there. A referral could still be made, for example to the veterinary office responsible for Mr Rosin’s place of residence.

What happens next in this case?
The submitted complaint is now being examined, but we cannot currently estimate how long the process will take. The fine limit for an administrative offense under Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (here roasting) is 25,000 euros. The same framework applies to the administrative offense of “storage without water”. The specific amount of the fine within the sanction framework is at the discretion of the authority and therefore cannot be predicted by us.

Are there professional consequences or sanctions for a chef in such a case?
In the event of professional breaches of duty, the trader’s reliability is called into question. The responsible trade inspection office can impose requirements on the trader in order to prevent further violations of this type. In more serious or repeated cases, the license may be revoked. A professional ban under the Criminal Code, on the other hand, can only be imposed as part of a criminal judgment by a criminal court. In the present case, however, it is not a criminal complaint, but rather an administrative offense that is not prosecuted by a criminal court but by the veterinary office.

We cannot currently answer to what extent Frank Rosin’s anti-animal welfare behavior may also affect his Sat.1 show “Who cooks the best for the guests”.

Is there a statement from Mr. Rosin the German Animal Welfare Association opposite?
To date, Frank Rosin has not made any statements regarding the animal welfare violation against the German Animal Welfare Association.

How can we all raise more awareness about animal welfare?
Education and in-depth knowledge about the species-appropriate handling and keeping of animals are extremely important so that animals can lead a life that respects animal welfare. We as the German Animal Welfare Association are trying to raise awareness about this. Our actions have a direct impact on animals worldwide. A shocking consequence of our way of life over the last few decades is already omnipresent: today’s production of our food, among other things, is one of the biggest animal welfare problems of our time.

What can each individual contribute?
We all also have to deal with animal husbandry, especially cattle, pigs, laying hens, broiler chickens and turkeys. In addition, ducks and geese, rabbits, sheep and goats, as well as numerous other animals suffer and die for human consumption. But fishing and aquaculture are also associated with immense animal suffering, a significant burden on the environment and the climate as well as risks to human health and have a massive impact on global biodiversity.

Is this primarily about rethinking meat consumption?
No, we shouldn’t just question the consumption of animal products such as meat, fish, milk, cheese and eggs. Animal components in the clothing and furniture industry such as wool, down, fur and leather or other everyday items such as hygiene products, wall paints, electronics, etc. are also inextricably linked to the suffering and death of animals.

Or even in animal experiments…
The same applies to animal testing, which is still required for many everyday products. The vision of the German Animal Welfare Association is that every single animal is respected, shown compassion and respect, and protected from suffering, pain and fear, so that human and animal life can be sustainably enabled in harmony with nature.

We should all question and reflect on things, manners, treatments and so on much more, especially with regard to animals. You should always ask yourself the following questions: Are you allowed to treat animals like this?