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Horse Market: Veterinary Office Initiates Two Administrative Proceedings

Following reports of possible animal welfare violations at this year’s horse market in Bietigheim, the District Office’s Veterinary Department reviewed the video footage that was submitted. The result: Violations of animal welfare laws were found in two separate incidents. Administrative proceedings will be initiated against the individuals responsible. District Administrator Dietmar Allgaier emphasized: “Behavior that violates animal welfare laws has no place at the horse market. Where violations are identified, we take decisive action. At the same time, a careful review of the footage shows that the vast majority of the documented situations do not constitute a violation of animal welfare laws. Both aspects are part of an objective and responsible assessment of the incidents.”

The complaint was received by the Veterinary Office on September 8. An analysis of the videos revealed that the vast majority of the documented situations did not constitute offenses subject to fines. Signs of stress were evident in a few horses, but the owners took appropriate measures to address the animals’ needs.

Conduct Violating Animal Welfare in Two Individual Cases

The situation is different in two documented individual cases. In each case, the footage shows a person striking a pony’s nostrils with their hand. The Veterinary Office considers this behavior to be a violation of animal welfare. “In both cases, a different response was required. We do not tolerate this kind of behavior,” clarifies Dr. Ulrich Koepsel, head of the Veterinary Office.

According to current information, the individuals involved are not from the Ludwigsburg district. The relevant authorities have been informed of the incidents.

Horse markets do not require a permit but must be reported to the Veterinary Office

The Veterinary Office emphasizes that the violations identified were attributable to the behavior of individual persons and do not reflect on the event as a whole. Horse markets do not require a permit, but must be reported to the Veterinary Office. In addition, a practicing veterinarian must be on site throughout the event.

The Veterinary Office does not foresee any impact on the holding of the horse market next year. “Ensuring the animals are treated in accordance with animal welfare standards is the responsibility of each individual animal owner. Neither the organizer nor the Veterinary Office can assume this responsibility,” said Koepsel.

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