We are asking for justice for Happy, a pony violently beaten in front of children

This story is sadly similar to that of the mare beaten at the Levens festival. Firmly held by the reins by a woman who is none other than the director of the Lorgues pony club, Happy is hit violently with a leather strap. With no possibility of escape, she is forced to turn around to try to get away from this surge of violence. In vain.

Events committed in the presence of children

In addition to Happy being hit, what can we say about this spectacle committed by the director of the centre, a figure of authority for the children and young adolescents who witnessed this scene?

The legal system itself knows the impact that violence towards animals can have on children, since it is considered that acts of mistreatment committed in the presence of minors is an aggravating circumstance.

If these events took place in front of witnesses, what is happening out of sight?

Thin horses, dirty stables

The whistle-blower also notified us of the detrimental state of the other animals there. Some of them were shut up in dirty stables. Others, in the paddocks, were worryingly thin - visible ribs, spines, and protruding withers. How can they support the weight of the students on their backs every day?

A part of our complaint is dedicated to them: this mistreatment is unacceptable.

For Happy and her unfortunate companions, we have written to the State Prosecutor of the Republic of Draguignan to ask for the perpetrator of these acts to be convicted for acts of cruelty and serious abuse and mistreatment, with their professional status aggravating the situation.

We are also requesting a ban them practising, as well as the seizure of Happy in order to provide her with care and affection. We are also asking for an investigation to be carried out at this pony club so that this mistreatment of the horses there will stop.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice