Investigation in Freneuse: horses left to fend for themselves in a field of misery
Alerted by reports and the mayor of Freneuse (Yvelines), One Voice investigators discovered several horses, including a young foal, deprived of basic care. Their distress is not new. It is evidence of systematic neglect, rooted in the practices of their owner, a professional horse dealer. The residents, who are very concerned, are getting organised to help them. We are filing a complaint.
Under the sun, a daily ordeal. The report we received described emaciated horses desperately trying to drink from troughs that contained more algae than water.
Our investigators, who were immediately dispatched to the scene, discovered animals left in the blazing sun. With high temperatures forecast for the coming days, their ordeal is far from over: they appear to have no shelter or protection from the heat and insects, while the person who trades in them remains completely indifferent. In the yellowed pastures, the only fodder provided is thanks to the generosity of shocked neighbours who are trying to ensure their survival with the means at their disposal.
An orphaned foal, a forgotten mare, a field turned into a tomb
In this enclosure, the decomposing body of a mare remained exposed for several days before the town council finally had it removed –alerted not by the owner, but by residents inconvenienced by the smell.
A frail foal, clearly orphaned, wanders around, agitated. His mother had apparently been euthanised recently (based on what we know about the abandoned carcass, there is some doubt about the relationship between them…) At his age, the lack of mother’s milk or an equine wet nurse seriously compromises his health and therefore his chances of survival.
Further away, another horse is walking around with a broken halter, an additional danger for an already weakened animal…
Maximised profitability: mistreatment as an economic model
This situation is not an isolated case: it is the direct consequence of a commercial system in which equines are seen as a commodity. Reducing expenses is essential in such a mindset. Nothing is maintained, starting with their hooves. Veterinary care? Doubtful! Several reports of stray horses belonging to this horse dealer have been filed in the past.
This trade continues with virtual impunity. Hidden from view, far from legislative concerns, our representatives tolerate it and turn a blind eye. The result: sentient beings are mistreated, exploited, resold, too often in a pitiful state. For them, we shall not remain silent.
Similar cases are all too common: our action to help the victims
While waiting for an operational response from the authorities, once again it is the solidarity of citizens that must be applauded. Village residents and local elected officials are taking turns to bring some respite to these horses.
This case is just the tip of the iceberg. All over France, equines suffer amid almost total indifference. Just a few weeks ago, in another case, we reached out to the courts: one horse had been left for dead tied to a tractor…
Faced with this scandal, One Voice is filing a complaint against the dealer with the gendarmerie in Bonnières-sur-Seine. The courts must prosecute this abuser quickly and formally prohibit her from engaging in any activity involving animals.
Enough suffering! Let’s demand real protection for equines
As long as horses do not enjoy the same status as dogs and cats, as long as their commercial exploitation takes precedence over their welfare, these tragedies will continue to happen. To defend them, join us in demanding a legislative reform.