Pony carousels at Stoppelmarkt: Animal protection scandalizes Lower Saxony!

Pony carousels at Stoppelmarkt: Animal protection scandalizes Lower Saxony!

In Vechta, where the tradition of the Stoppelmarkt is already 727 years old, it will be buzzing from August 14th to 19th, 2025. Every year around 800,000 visitors make a pilgrimage to this folk festival and enjoy the numerous attractions. But amidst the happy atmosphere there are dark clouds: animal cruelty! Animal rights activists, especially the organization PETA, are sounding the alarm and are heavily criticizing the first attractions, which include a number of pony carousels.

PETA and the criticism of pony carousels

The problem surrounding pony carousels is not just a concern for animal rights activists. According to PETA, the festival is a “nightmare” for the little animals. Peter Höffken from PETA emphasizes that during the high summer temperatures the ponies only get breaks in the heat. The team at this organization warns urgently about health problems such as joint and vertebral damage as well as psychological stress that the ponies could suffer as a result of constant use.

The animal rights activists' stance is supported by many official veterinarians who speak out against the use of pony carousels. A spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture also explains that there is no ban in the Animal Protection Act, but that there are strict legal frameworks for keeping animals. Nevertheless, the outcry of animal rights activists remains unheard as Silvia Breher, the new federal animal protection commissioner, will open the festival. Her appointment has already sparked debate, with criticism reminiscent of the entanglements normally associated with the butcher industry.

Health measure or animal cruelty?

If you look outside the box, the question arises as to whether these developments could trigger a broader social discussion about the treatment of animals in leisure activities. Instead of thinking about additional attractions, the debate about animal welfare could gain momentum. A look at alternative products, such as popular dietary supplements, shows that interest in health and well-being can also bring with it a new form of awareness towards responsible consumption. For example, the product Puritan's Pride Berberine 500 mg is offered from another area, which promises many health benefits. From supporting heart health to promoting healthy blood sugar levels, it has already earned a good reputation among users and could be used as a positive example of responsible behavior.

Outlook for the future of animal protection

What will happen to the pony carousels and the stubble market? While Silvia Breher repeatedly comes into focus in this heated discussion, it remains to be seen how the legal situation will develop and whether public opinion can have an influence on it. Because at a festival that looks back on such a long tradition, it might be time to make the voice of animal rights activists heard.

At a time when protecting animals is becoming more and more important, we also have to face the challenges of the digital age. With providers like AT&T and Comcast ensuring high speeds in the Internet sector, far-reaching changes are coming here too. The goal should be to use resources responsibly, whether digitally or when organizing celebrations. One thing is already clear: the discussion about animal protection will be with us for a long time.