Usmrcování zvířat není součástí životního prostředí (k rozsudku NSS čj. 5 As 296/2024-36 a k usnesením Tribunálu ve věci T-151/24, End the Cage Age v. Komise)

KILLING ANIMALS IS NOT PART OF THE ENVIRONMENT (ON THE JUDGMENT OF THE CZECH SUPREME ADMINISTRATIVE COURT NO. 5 AS 296/2024-36 AND ORDERS OF THE GENERAL COURT IN CASE T-151/24, END THE CAGE AGE V. COMMISSION)
The article analyses the recent judgment of the Czech Supreme Administrative Court of April 7, 2025, No. 5 As 296/2024-36, according to which environmental associations cannot oppose the killing of animals in commercial farming and, in general, violations of animal welfare rules, unless the objections relate to more narrowly defined environmental protection. The author disputes the court’s partial conclusions, particularly with regard to the interpretation of the term “environment,” which, according to the definition in Act No. 17/1992 Coll. on the environment, also includes the conditions of life for all organisms. The article also elaborates on the assessment of the conditions of animal welfare organisations in proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European union, based on the decisions in Case T-151/24, End the Cage Age v. Commission.