Turns out that in 1933 vivisection was banned and another law called Reichstierschutzgesetz (Reich Animal Protection Act) was enacted in Nazi Germany. I read in one ethics course that this comprehensive legislation elevated animals, even lobsters, to a protected status that guaranteed freedom from abuse.
It gets better. From Wikipedia (emphasis mine),
On February 23, 1934, a decree was enacted by the Prussian Ministry of Commerce and Employment which introduced education on animal protection laws at primary, secondary and college levels. On 3 July 1934, a law Das Reichsjagdgesetz (The Reich Hunting Law) was enacted which limited hunting. On 1 July 1935, another law Reichsnaturschutzgesetz (Reich Nature Conservation Act) was passed to protect nature. According to an article published in Kaltio, one of the main Finnish cultural magazines, Nazi Germany was the first in the world to place the wolf under protection.
Who would've thunk!
It's pretty blasphemous in today's world to say anything remotely positive about Hitler and his Nazis. I think I'm going to have some fun next time I talk with one of my vegan friends.
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Your thoughts are very welcome and I look forward to them eagerly. Just be mindful of being civil. This is a good book about the same in case you are interested:
Choosing Civility: The Twenty-five Rules of Considerate Conduct - P.M.Forni