Proposal for a directive on safeguarding animal welfare and natural surroundings requested from the Commission.

In the upcoming elections on September 14, 2025, the focus will be on Ayhan Yildirim, the Ruhr parliament candidate from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Yildirim, a resident of Duisburg, has been actively involved in local politics for 18 years and has served on numerous committees, boards, and as a councilor and chairman of the Animal Protection and DAL factions.

Yildirim's party has made a significant impact on local city councils in NRW. The municipal subsidy for the local animal shelter in Neuss was more than doubled due to their efforts. Similarly, measures to protect animals and their habitats, as well as environmental protection, would not be pursued with such seriousness in Düsseldorf without the involvement of Yildirim's party in the city council. Moreover, without their voice, the climate emergency in Düsseldorf would not have been declared.

Yildirim's focus in the Ruhr parliament will be on all aspects related to animals and animal welfare. Heiko Hoffmann, a member of the Animal Protection Party - T I E R S C H U T Z Gelsenkirnen, has expressed his excitement about being voteable in the upcoming elections. Hoffmann, as the public face of the party, is known as a leading figure in the initiative.

Torsten Lemmer, campaign manager for Yildirim's party, has stated that they plan to support animals, people, and the environment in the Ruhr parliament. One of the achievements mentioned by Lemmer is the significant increase in the municipal subsidy for the local animal shelter in Neuss within five years. The campaign manager has also highlighted their past achievements in local city councils in NRW.

Despite the lack of publicly documented information about a predecessor in Yildirim's leadership role, it is common for independent citizen initiatives like the Animal Protection Party – T I E R S C H U T Z Gelsenkirchen to be loosely organised, with individuals like Heiko Hoffmann acting as the public face of the movement.

For those requiring the name of a predecessor for academic, political, or journalistic purposes, it is recommended to make a direct inquiry to:

Heiko Hoffmann personally using the contact details of the initiative
The party office in Gelsenkirchen
Local media (such as WAZ Gelsenkirchen), which report on the activities of the party.

Should a predecessor be identified publicly at a later date, we will update this article accordingly. Currently, however, there is no such information available.

Proposal for a directive on safeguarding animal welfare and natural surroundings requested from the Commission.