Tierschutz im Strafprozess

The procedural enforcement of animal welfare interests is gaining increasing importance. However, the area of criminal procedural law has received little attention in this context. Particularly in light of the enforcement deficit of criminal animal welfare law, the question arises to what extent the perspective of animals affected by criminal offences can be taken into account in criminal proceedings. One potential solution is the application of the rights of crime victims under the German Code of Criminal Procedure. This thesis examines from a dogmatic legal perspective whether animals can qualify as victims of crime and considers how human representatives could exercise the corresponding rights in criminal proceedings.