Nine horses were legally seized by the Corpo Forestale dello Stato di Regello last night, following a report to the IHP on Saturday 24 October.

Immediately upon receiving the notification at the weekend, IHP had raced to the place in question, and found one of the horses, a mare, in terrible pain. There were other horses in very grave condition, and all were without sufficient food and water. Unfortunately for the mare, it was too late, and in spite of the emergency treatment given by the association’s resident vet, the mare was then euthanised, to prevent further pointless suffering.

We contacted the Corpo Forestale which swiftly sprang into action: IHP provided the first assistance and hay was taken to the horses this morning. Thanks to the Comune di Rignano and the help of volunteers from the VAB (Vigilanza Antincendi Boschivi), the horses received abundant supplies of water yesterday evening.

Of the nine horses seized on grounds of serious neglect, five are in an emaciated state, and two have respiratory problems. In addition to the horses there are two dogs and a goat.

The animals belonged to a woman who died suddenly in July. The Corpo Forestale, together with the Public Prosecutor’s office, are currently trying to ascertain who should have assumed responsibility for the animals, and failed to do so.
To date the animals have survived thanks to local people who gave them hay and water, even if in insufficient quantities.