During the Advent season, Manuela Ripa, MEP for the Ecological Democratic Party, is therefore calling for donations to animal shelters and animal welfare organizations - for example in the form of vouchers for animal food:

"New animals are coming into the animal shelters every day and no visitors are allowed into the homes because of the coronavirus pandemic. Animal food donations are therefore only allowed to be sent out. However, vouchers for pet shops are very helpful right now to support the animals in our shelters and the work of animal welfare organizations," Manuela Ripa emphasizes. "This allows staff to buy exactly what is needed most urgently. Sponsorships are also very welcome, because not every animal is lucky enough to find a new home. Unfortunately, memberships for animal shelters and animal welfare organizations have been declining for years. This does not make the situation any easier. I would therefore like to appeal to all citizens, especially now during the Advent season: Help with a donation or even become a member of an animal shelter or animal welfare organization. Even a small donation helps! I myself have already donated to all the animal shelters and animal welfare organizations I know in Saarland."

In her work as an MEP, Manuela Ripa is committed to greater animal welfare, the abolition of factory farming and better protection for the climate, biodiversity and consumers. The only Saarland Member of the European Parliament is a member of the parliamentary interest group Intergroup for the Welfare and Conservation of Animals and deputy chair of the Pets Working Group. In this role, she is particularly committed to the uniform and mandatory identification and registration of pets throughout Europe in order to prevent the illegal trade in pets.