(1st June 2012)

With a submission of complaint sent to Larino Procurator’s Office, IHP asked to investigate about what happened on 29th May in the town of Portocannone (Campobasso), during the oh-so-called “carrese” (a race between carts pulled by oxen). In an amateur video, it can be seen how an ox, spurred to draw the cart at high speed, falls and is dragged for several meters before the cart is stopped. The animal is left on the ground, without any kind of veterinary help.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

In the complaint we pointed out the complete violation of what prescribed by the Ministerial Ordinance of 21st July 2011, which regulates palii and historical events (the ground is made of asphalt, there are no barriers for the crowd, there is no veterinarian at hand, as far as we know they didn’t ask for the required authorization from the Health Ministry). Going less in the detail, the whole event is held in a context of general violation of the law: IE, there are motorcycle riders without helmets, even in the presence of the Carabinieri, who acted as pacesetters!

We asked to verify if what happened could be considered a crime of animal mistreat committed by the Major of Portocannone, who is responsible, not only due to this office, but also as the organizer and judge of the event (as stated in the Rules).
We also ask to investigate other possible violations (IE, regarding the road traffic) and the behaviour of law enforcements officers present to the event, who turned more than a just “blind eye” on what was happening.

It’s unacceptable that in 2012 we still have to witness to the barbaric use of animals as object of entertainment. This is why Italian Horse Protection launched a petition asking for the ban of the use of animals in palii and historical events. You can sign the on-line petition or download the paper form here: www.nopalio.it .