Obituary for Dr Sigfried Platz (19 March 1948 – 21 July 2025)

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Born on 19 March 1948 in Meißen, Germany, Dr Platz studied veterinary medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. He was awarded his veterinary licence on 7 May 1974 and earned his doctoral degree on 28 June 1974 with a dissertation entitled Determination of Ribonucleotides as Parameters of Functional Processes in the Production of Raw Ham.

On 1 March 1980, Dr Platz joined the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at LMU Munich, where he remained until his retirement on 1 April 2013. In April 1999, he was appointed Senior Academic Councillor (Akademischer Oberrat). Throughout his career, his greatest passion was veterinary hygiene and the welfare-oriented husbandry of farm animals, fields to which he dedicated himself with remarkable expertise and unwavering commitment.

Over more than three decades, Dr Platz became a highly respected and influential member of the faculty, particularly in teaching. Combining outstanding professional knowledge with kindness, generosity, and a subtle sense of humour, he inspired generations of veterinary students. He was a dedicated mentor who always showed genuine concern not only for animal welfare but also for the well-being of those around him. Colleagues and students alike will remember his warmth, his good humour, and his deep love of the mountains. In later years, his faithful dog, Manni, became a cherished companion.

Following his retirement in March 2013, Dr Platz settled in his adopted home in Switzerland, where he enjoyed the tranquillity of nature, the surrounding mountains, and especially Lake Thun, a place that brought him great peace and happiness.

On 21 July 2025, following a swimming accident, Dr Platz tragically did not return from this place he loved so dearly.

Our deepest sympathies go to his children, Flurin, Susanne, and Juliane, his grandchildren, the Hegemann family, and all his relatives and friends.

With Dr Platz, the Faculty has lost a highly esteemed colleague, teacher, and friend. Although he retired many years ago, he always remained closely connected to the Faculty. He will be greatly missed.

In grateful memory

The colleagues of the Chair of Animal Welfare, Ethology, Animal Hygiene and Animal Husbandry and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich