(4 December 2014)

An all too common scene in the streets of many cities of southern Italy: a thousand or so people lining a straight stretch of road, watching two gigs pounding furiously along, surrounded by dozens of motorbikes and scooters hooting, and everyone shouting at the horses to go faster.

But this time the police were ready with a real blitz, blocking the race in a very complex operation; the two drivers actually tried to make a getaway, causing two accidents as they did so. One horse incurred slight injuries, while in the second accident a well known criminal going by the nickname of Zicchinetta, incurred a number of broken bones.
The operation was successful: the two horses are now legally seized and in a safe place, while eight people have been charged with cruelty to animals, and aiding and abetting. SEE THE POLICE VIDEO HERE
While many people think of illegal races as just a bit of folklore, in reality they are a serious source of funding for organised crime, given that one race alone can yield hundreds of thousands of euro in bets.

We spoke on the phone to an Inspector of the mounted police at the Questura in Catania, to learn the details of the operation and to discuss how difficult it is to take measures against this racket.

We often receive videos and photos of these illegal races, images which circulate on the social network without raising any eyebrows, and even giving names and venues. We are frequently asked how all this can be even possible, so out in the open without any action on the part of the authorities.

As the police Inspector told us, it is by no means easy: a blitz to stop a race not only involves dozens of police officers at the final rifmoment itself but has to be preceded by lengthy and complicated investigations on the part of undercover services. All this, especially in a city like Catania with its ubiquitous criminal life, simply cannot be carried out each time a report is filed.

The worst aspect of the problem is the legal one, that is, what specific crimes can those involved actually be accused of, even when they are caught red-handed? An accusation of cruelty to animals means little or nothing, given the weak and insignificant penalties imposed. And the penalty for blocking a public highway is no longer a criminal act. So unless more serious crimes can be uncovered, such as illegal betting, or possession of firearms or drugs, the police risk mounting a huge operation for scarce results.

Sonny Richichi, IHP President comments: “Just as the laws against mistreatment were tightened up, and sentences made more severe – even to include arrest - in the case of dog fighting, so we should see stronger sanctions in cases of what on the face of it seems less cruel treatment, both to protect the animals and to stop the use by criminals of such organised activities, including drug dealing etc, for raising funds. We therefore urge the government to take action to impose effective sanctions against illegal horse racing.”

Last year the Catania police, IHP and Striscia La Notizia collaborated in the rescue of four horses used in illegal racing. (Read the article here)