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Apply for an exemption for livestock exhibitions and livestock markets

For livestock exhibitions and livestock markets, you can apply for exemptions from animal health regulations under certain conditions.

Detailed description

If you are planning a livestock exhibition or livestock market, certain requirements apply – for example, regarding the venue or the veterinary examination of the animals.


Under certain conditions, you can apply to the responsible authority for an exemption from these requirements.


The exception may be granted, for example, if protection against animal diseases is still guaranteed. Whether an exception is possible is decided by the responsible authority on a case-by-case basis.


With the exemption, you receive permission to hold your event despite deviating from certain regulations.

 

Information

Prerequisites

In derogation from the legal requirements for livestock exhibitions and livestock markets, you may apply for an exemption if the following conditions are met:

  • The venue does not meet all the fencing, access, and cleaning requirements normally required for livestock shows or markets.
  • There are no concerns regarding the control of animal diseases that would speak against the event.
  • Your event is a livestock exhibition, a small-scale livestock market or an annual or weekly market that is exempt from official veterinary supervision.

Documents required

Please provide the following information in your application and attach the relevant supporting documents:

  • Completed application for exemption (with details of the event, venue and animal population)
  • Justification for the necessity of the requested exception
  • Site plan of the venue with entrances and exits marked
  • Proof of existing cleaning and disinfection facilities for vehicles and people
  • Information on the accommodation of the animals (e.g. accommodation rooms, quarantine rooms)
  • Hygiene concept of the event
  • if necessary, veterinary report or expert opinion
  • if applicable, proof of exemption from official veterinary examination (e.g., for annual or weekly markets)
  • if applicable, previous approval notices or comparable documents (for recurring events)

Please note

As the event organizer, you must meet the following venue requirements if you do not have an exemption:

  • The place where the cattle exhibition or market is to be held or established is fenced in such a way that the entrances and exits through which the animals may be moved are monitored.
  • Paths and roads as well as areas for loading and unloading livestock transport vehicles are paved, easy to clean and disinfect.
  • A special area with a liquid-impermeable floor and pressurized water is available for cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.
  • The ground of the site slopes towards a drain connected to the sewer system or other wastewater disposal facility.
  • Rooms for the temporary accommodation of livestock shall have a liquid-impermeable floor and smooth, easy-to-clean and disinfect walls.
  • Livestock accommodation areas are adequately lit.
  • Where necessary, the rooms are divided into pens and have facilities for tying up.
  • There is a special room for the isolation of infected or suspicious animals.
  • Facilities for cleaning and disinfecting hands and footwear are available for persons involved in buoyancy.
  • There is a suitable facility for storing animal by-products.

These farm animals belong to the livestock category:

  • Horses, donkeys, hinnies, mules, zebras and zebroids,
  • Cattle including bison, wisent and water buffalo,
  • sheep and goats,
  • pigs,
  • Hares, rabbits,
  • Ducks, pheasants, geese, chickens, ratites, guinea fowl, partridges, pigeons, turkeys and quails,
  • Game animals,
  • Camelids.

Please note that an exemption can only be granted if there are no conflicting animal disease control concerns. A detailed case-by-case review by the competent authority is therefore required.

Deadlines

Please contact the relevant authority well in advance, but at least 6 weeks before the planned event.


You will need the exemption before the planned event can take place.

Procedure

  • You submit the application for an exemption together with all necessary documents in writing or electronically to the competent authority.
  • The responsible authority will review your documents and request additional documents or information from you if necessary.
  • The responsible authority will examine your application and you will receive a decision.
  • If your application is complete and meets the requirements, you will receive the exemption.

Processing time

If all required documents are available, processing may take up to 6 weeks.

Fees

Fees apply. The amount of the fees depends on the individual case and is calculated according to the fee schedule for public consumer protection.

Legal remedies

Contradiction

Legal basis

Section 3 paragraph 2 of the Livestock Trade Ordinance (ViehVerkV)







Section 6 of the Livestock Trade Ordinance (ViehVerkV)




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Keywords: Animal market Special permit for cattle show Event permit for cattle show Farm animals exhibition permit

Last updated: 13.09.2025