In Switzerland and Germany, catch and release fishing is considered inhumane and is now banned. In Germany, the "Animal Welfare Act" states that ""no-one may cause an animal pain, suffering or harm without good reason"". This leaves no legal basis for catch and release due to its argued inherent lack of "good reason", and thus personal fishing is solely allowed for immediate food consumption. Additionally, it is against the law to release fish back into the water if they are above minimum size requirements and aren't a protected species or in closed season.