05/10/2019
On Saint Francis’s day, patron Saint of animals IHP brings in the local health authorities (Asl) and the Local Police: owner reported Hot Topsail arrived last night at the IHP Rescue Centre after being seized with a flash rescue by the NPO, IHP Italian Horse Protection. Having noted the serious health conditions in which she was found, the non-profit organization for the protection of horses requested urgent action by the authorities: the Commander and officers of the Local Police Unione Valdera and veterinarians of the ASL Toscana Nordovest of Pontedera intervened on the spot. The rescue operation of the horse was successful though it was not possible to proceed with the seizure of the other horse in the structure: indeed, it was still registered under the name of the previous owner, a horse dealer who sold it without signing the ownership transfer, and the horse has now been taken back by the original owner. IHP deeply opposed this reinstatement, making itself available to accept both horses at its own expense, unhappily without result. The association will take other legal steps to protect the second horse too; Hot Topsail, instead, was seized and entrusted to IHP on 4 October, the day that celebrates St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. The report of the equine veterinarian Dr. Losani, who was sent to intervene on-site by the NPO immediately after they had become aware of the situation to provide the first emergency treatment, contained all the elements useful for action by the Authorities: <<The horse is extremely thin (body score 1, on a scale of 0 to 5), held in premises ’completely inadequate for the safe accomodation of horse’ and with insufficient food supplies; she has a deep, extensive lacerated contused wound (20x40cm) ’infested with fly larvae, with necrotic edges, and without the most elementary medical care to aid recovery’>>. Last night Hot Topsail was safely transported to the infirmary of the IHP Rescue Centre, where the wound was cleaned and treated again by our veterinarian Agnese Santi. She is undergoing antibiotic and reconstituent therapy, her life is not in danger and the IHP staff expects her to reach a full recovery, though it will take time. To take care of Hot Topsail and ensure that she has a future free from further suffering, IHP has launched a fundraising appeal. ’Economic resources are needed to maintain the horses that we are able to save and to deal with emergencies like this one, in a timely manner and by anticipating all the necessary expenses,’ explains Sonny Richichi, president of IHP and coordinator of the rescue operation. ’The future of the many horses we are able to help depends on the generosity and motivation of citizens to participate in our mission with their own support, to tackle the unfortunate trend of a world in which all too often horses and animals in general are treated as objects.’ If you wish to take part in IHP’s cause, you can make a donation through the Facebook page IHP Italian Horse Protection. For other methods (bank transfer, credit card), more information is available HERE IHP combats abuses and ill-treatment and strives for a legislative and cultural change that can lead to the recognition of the rights of horses. Since 2009, it has managed the first rescue centre recognised by the Ministry of Health for horses, which have been seized by the Judicial Authorities. However, this official recognition does not entail the receipt of public funds or the reimbursement of expenses from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which entrusts IHP with the animals seized. PHOTO GALLERY
VIDEO: HOT TOPSAIL, DA CAMPIONESSA DEL REINING ALLA FAME