Overview

• For the first time in its 727th edition, the fair has dropped planned livestock trading following multi-year declines in vendor participation and audience interest
• The city has replaced the traditional market area with a Tierschau where breeders present animals under supervision from the local veterinary office and market administration
• Animal welfare measures include regular pony rotation, pasture access, mobile stables and continuous veterinary inspections
• PETA has condemned the pony carousel as a form of animal cruelty and urged designated federal animal protection officer Silvia Breher to voice opposition
• A heatwave forced organizers to postpone pony rides from Thursday to Friday, highlighting the logistical challenges of safeguarding animal wellbeing