Animal rights activists stated that horses were forced to drag huge logs and were beaten with sticks during a festival in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Police are investigating information regarding possible animal cruelty, the regional police department reported, writes UNN.
Details
"In Ivano-Frankivsk region, horses are forced to drag huge logs and are beaten with sticks," stated UAnimals.
According to animal rights activists, on January 24-25, the "Horses of Boykivshchyna" festival took place in Porohy, Ivano-Frankivsk region. "During the festival, equestrian competitions were also held. This horrific video shows horses being forced to pull heavy timber and being severely beaten. We are shocked and outraged - it's hard to believe that such cruelty still exists in the modern world. There is nothing fun about beatings. This is not an entertaining spectacle, it is cruelty and abuse!" UAnimals stated, publishing the video.
As indicated, a complaint has already been filed with the police.
Police reaction
The police of Ivano-Frankivsk region stated that "the police are checking information regarding possible animal cruelty at the festival in the village of Porohy, Ivano-Frankivsk region."
"In social networks, police officers found a video showing a competition of draft horses. The published footage shows animals dragging heavy logs at speed, while a whip is waved near them and used to hit the ground," the police noted.
Also, as indicated, the police received a complaint from representatives of animal rights organizations regarding possible animal cruelty.
"Currently, law enforcement officers are conducting an investigation, establishing all the circumstances of the incident," the police reported.
Later, the regional police indicated that "criminal proceedings have been initiated under Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (cruel treatment of animals)."