Petition to Save 81-Year-Old Ludwig Smidt's Animals from Aurich District Order

Aurich District's Order

• ⚠️ Ludwig Smidt, an 81-year-old retiree, received an order from the Aurich District to remove almost all of his animals, including three protected Emden geese, a rooster, and chickens.
• 😔 The order, triggered by a single complaint about alleged noise and smell, deeply distressed Mr. Smidt, who has owned animals since childhood.
• 🗓️ The initial order came in February, and despite local efforts, a new letter arrived on August 5th, demanding the relocation or removal of his poultry.

Community Mobilization

• 🤝 Neighbor Anne Stomberg initiated a local signature collection, gathering support from 50 neighbors who attested that Mr. Smidt's animals caused no disturbance.
• ✉️ Despite submitting the signatures to the Aurich District, the issue was not resolved, leading to the reissued removal order.
• 🚀 Anne then launched an online petition, which rapidly gained significant traction, reaching over 50,000 signatures and attracting media attention.

Impact on Ludwig Smidt

• 💔 Mr. Smidt, who has kept geese for over 20 years and other animals his entire life, was found crying by his neighbor, indicating the profound emotional impact of the order.
• 😴 He reportedly slept only two hours due to the stress, as these animals are described as his "life" and crucial for his well-being.
• 🌱 The community believes that losing his animals would be devastating for an 81-year-old man who dedicates his life to their care.

Neighbor's Perspective

• 🏡 Neighbors confirm that the animals do not smell and the noise is minimal, often only when someone approaches them.
• 🌳 The complaining neighbor lives 15-20 meters away with a large hedge in between, while other neighbors closer by are not bothered and wish for the geese to stay.
• 🌾 Many residents in the rural Friesland area emphasize the importance of being able to keep animals, fearing this precedent could affect others.

Call for Reason

• 🎯 Supporters hope that the media attention and the overwhelming number of petition signatures will prompt politicians and district officials to reconsider their decision.
• ⚖️ The situation is seen as an unjust action against an elderly man and a broader challenge to the right of individuals in rural areas to keep animals.
• 🙏 The community expresses gratitude for the widespread support and solidarity shown for Ludwig Smidt.