We are asking for justice for Happy, a pony violently beaten in front of children
One Voice is opposed to any type of physical or moral violence against animals and humans. Harassing and insulting those responsible will not help the cause. We understand the emotion caused by these events, but we thank you for remaining courteous and controlled with your comments.
The run of misfortune continues for horses being kept at equestrian centres. A few weeks ago, we filed a complaint for a mare who was brutally beaten with a stick in front of witnesses. Following this, we were alerted to the case of Happy in Var. What she has suffered is horrifying.We have filed a complaint for acts of cruelty and serious abuse and are asking that this pony be entrusted to us after her rescue.
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.
Sign the petition for the horses and ponies to benefit from being given pet animal status
Translated from the French by Joely Justice
One Voice is opposed to any type of physical or moral violence against animals and humans. Harassing and insulting those responsible will not help the cause. We understand the emotion caused by these events, but we thank you for remaining courteous and controlled with your comments.
Despite the images, despite the courage of the young girls who raised the alarm, despite the dozen or so testimonies received, our complaint was dismissed, with the court ruling that the offense was “insufficiently characterized.”
This decision is very worrying in terms of the treatment of horses at this riding center, but also in terms of the protection of children who are exposed to this violence, which has been normalized by their instructor.