Trial Begins for Animal Rebellion Activists on Farmer President's Property

A trial has begun in Nuremberg against seven activists from the protest movement "Animal Rebellion." The defendants are accused of trespassing on the farm of Günther Felßner, the president of the Bavarian Farmers' Association, in March 2025. The court proceedings were initiated after the activists did not accept previously issued penalty orders. The trial is being held in Nuremberg due to the lack of suitable venues in Hersbruck for the large number of individuals involved in the protest.

The "Animal Rebellion" group stated that their action was a protest against the potential appointment of CSU politician Felßner as the federal minister for agriculture. Following the protest, Felßner withdrew his candidacy for the position. Later, it was revealed that the veterinary office had identified deficiencies in animal husbandry on Felßner's farm, specifically concerning bedding and waste removal. Felßner claims these issues were promptly rectified.

According to a judicial spokesperson, the accused are alleged to have unlawfully entered Felßner's property in Lauf a.d. Pegnitz on March 24, 2025. During the protest, they reportedly set off pyrotechnics and displayed banners and signs criticizing alleged animal welfare shortcomings. Felßner reported that his wife was terrified by the incident. Both Felßner and his wife are scheduled to testify as witnesses on June 17, with a verdict expected on the same day.

Initially, arrest warrants were sought for approximately 13 individuals aged between 25 and 50. One person accepted their penalty, while other cases were separated. Three individuals were unable to attend the main hearing for various reasons. The seven remaining defendants maintain they participated in the protest but were unaware they were entering private property. A public path reportedly crosses Felßner's farm.