https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_shelter#Germany
German animal protection law prohibits killing of vertebrates without proper reason. Generally, permissive reasons are slaughtering or hunting for food production (cats and dogs are excepted from this), control of infectious diseases, painless killing “if continued life would imply uncurable pain or suffering”, or if an animal poses a danger to the general public.[11] The latter will only be reason for euthanasia, if an authority concerned with public safety orders it based on an investigation. Because of this ruling, all German animal shelters are practically no-kill shelters. Facilities are required to be led by a person certified in handling of animals. Most shelters have contract Veterinarians to provide medical care.
-From Wikipedia