The Leipzig Animal Rights Congress will take place at the Ostwache in Leipzig on the weekend of 23–24 May 2026. The congress is being organised by a group of volunteers from local and vegan animal liberation groups.
Numerous speakers will engage critically with various perspectives on the work for animal liberation and animal rights. There will be talks on animal ethics, animal rights, animal rescue from crisis zones, phasing out the animal industry, anti-speciesist work in an educational context and other fascinating topics. In addition, panel discussions on forms of action such as campaigns and civil disobedience are planned.
In addition to the presentations, the conference will also provide opportunities for informal discussion and follow-up talks with the speakers. The aim of the conference is to bring together the animal rights movement and interested individuals, and to discuss common ground and the challenges of activist practice.
Support us
Your donation will help fund the venue, equipment, materials and on-site offerings for the conference.
Talks
Saturday
Animal Rights Congress Introduction & Faba Concepts
Topic: Schlachtindustrie.de - A data-tool for the movement
Topic:
Marie Kolb & Josephine Götze
Topic: Why animal welfare is not enough, a call for animal rights
Friederike Schmitz
Topic: Animal Rights in times of crisis
Tiphaine Lagarde
Topic: Toward a Confrontational Anti-Speciesist Practice: The Use of Direct Action at 269 Libération Animale
Panel Discussion
Topic: Campaigning
Sunday
Notpfote
Topic: Animal rescue from areas in crisis
Umweltbildungswerk
Topic: Anti-speciesist work in an educational context
Friedrich Mülln
Topic: Resilience and perseverance in activism & successful campaigning
TB Dresden / VGT
Topic: Anti-Hunting Strategies & Forms of Activism
Anna Schubert and Hendrik Hassel
Topic: Undercover Animal Research
Panel Discussion
Topic: Civil Disobedience
On Site
Village
Info standsIn addition to the talks, there is our Village outdoors, an open space for discussion, networking and relaxation. This is where initiatives, activist groups, collectives and projects from the animal rights and animal liberation movements come together.
At the information stands, various groups will present their work, share their experiences from campaigns and events, and invite visitors to chat. The Village is intended to be a place where knowledge is shared, new connections are made, and where ideas for future projects might also take shape.
The Village offers a communal space for meeting, discussing, networking and taking a breather between events.
Catering
Food standDuring the conference, there will be a communal kitchen providing hot, vegan meals and snacks. The cooking will be a collaborative effort based on solidarity: simple, good food for everyone who attends.
Water and coffee will also be available throughout the day, so you can take a quick breather between discussions and sessions.
All food and drink is free of charge. If you are able and willing, we would be grateful for a donation to help cover the costs of food, facilities and the on-site program.
Everyone is welcome, regardless of their budget.
Questions and Answers
Is there a charge for taking part?
No, attendance at the 2026 Leipzig Animal Rights Congress is free of charge. However, as the congress does incur costs, there will be an opportunity to make a voluntary donation on the day.
Where does the Congress take place?
The conference will take place in 2026 at the Ostwache in Leipzig. We are delighted to have found a venue there where talks, discussions and the on-site program can all come together.
What will happen if it rains?
Of course, we’re hoping for good weather. If it rains, we’ll cover the outdoor area as best we can with gazebos and tents so that the planned activities and stalls can still go ahead. The talks will take place indoors.
Is there anything to eat and drink there?
Yes. There will be a vegan food stall serving hot food, cakes and light snacks, with donations welcome. We will also be providing water, coffee and other drinks.
Is the conference barrier-free?
Yes. The entire outdoor area and the hall are wheelchair accessible. Our aim is to make the Animal Rights Congress accessible to as many people as possible. We strive to ensure that events and catering facilities are easily accessible for people with mobility impairments and that suitable toilet facilities are available. If you have any specific requirements, please let us know in advance so that we can make the necessary arrangements.
Can I bring my dog?
If you have no other option, you are welcome to bring dogs and other pets. Please keep them on a lead at all times and leave the room if they become restless, so as not to disturb the talks and discussions. We will provide a small water and snack station for dogs.
Is there a quota for speakers?
FLINTA* people are strongly represented in the animal rights and animal liberation movement. That is why we are also trying to recruit significantly more FLINTA* people as speakers for our events.
I don’t know much about the subject. Would the conference still be of interest to me?
Yes. The conference is specifically designed to appeal to people who are new to animal rights and animal liberation, or who have only recently become involved. It offers an opportunity to deepen one’s knowledge, engage in conversation with others, and perhaps even inspire a desire to get more involved.
Will the lectures be recorded?
We will discuss with each speaker individually whether and which presentations will be recorded. Where possible, we would like to record the presentations. Regardless of this, it is well worth attending in person, as the conference also provides an opportunity for networking and getting to know one another.
Are there ways to get involved? Do you need any help?
Yes. We’d love to hear from people who have the time and enthusiasm to support the conference, whether it’s with setting up and dismantling, admissions, outreach, technical support, translation, or as a day-of volunteer. If you’d like to get involved, please do get in touch.
In which languages will the conference be held?
We want to make the conference as inclusive as possible.
We therefore intend to provide English translation, at least for the afternoon presentations and the panel discussions.
Please contact us by email as soon as possible if you would like an English translation, so that we can better assess the demand for translations.
Please also get in touch if you do not understand either German or English and require a translation into another language. We will then work with you to see if a solution can be found.
Contact
Questions?Email: tierrechtskongressleipzig systemli org
Please assemble the address accordingly before sending an email.
Legal Notice
Information in accordance with Section 5 of the German Telemedia Act (TMG)
Leipzig Animal Rights Congress – Organising Committee
Lutherstr. 15
04315 Leipzig
Germany
Represented by:
Marie Böhme
Richard Böhme
Contact
Phone: +49 (0)156 79796840
Email: tierrechtskongressleipzig [at] systemli [punkt] org
Leipzig Animal Rights Congress – Organiser
Ostwache Leipzig e.V.
Gregor-Fuchs-Straße 45-47
04318 Leipzig
Email: kontakt [at] ostwache [punkt] org
Responsible for content in accordance with Section 18(2) of the Media Services State Treaty
Marie Böhme
Lutherstr. 15
04315 Leipzig
Placeholder dog photos via https://placedog.net/