Animal welfare ombudsperson

New head for animal welfare in Vorarlberg

Following a unanimous proposal by the selection committee, the state government has appointed Ruth Sonnweber as the new animal welfare ombudsperson. She will take over the office from Karin Keckeis in the fall.

 Provincial Councillor Martina Rüscher (ÖVP) announced the appointment on Tuesday: 

"Ms. Sonnweber knows the fundamental issues of animal welfare and impressed with her authentic appearance during the hearing. She clearly conveys her great motivation for the topic of animal welfare."

Ruth Sonnweber (born in 1980) completed her doctorate in cognitive biology after studying zoology in Vienna. She was a research assistant as well as a post-doc and project leader at the University of Vienna and completed research stays in Gibraltar, Scotland and Zambia, among other places. She was also involved in several international research projects and was active in teaching.

Ruth Sonnweber(Bild: zvg/privat)

The biologist is familiar with the relevant topics of animal welfare and also impressed with her communication skills at the hearing.

The selection committee consisted of external experts and the animal welfare spokespersons of the parties represented in the Vorarlberg state parliament, among others. The term of office for the animal welfare ombudsperson is five years. Ruth Sonnweber will take up her new office on October 1, 2024.