Animal bites are a public health concern that affects everyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 468 people die each year in the United States from animal bites, with dog bites being the primary cause. The CDC estimates that 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs annually. But are humans the only ones who face such a tragedy? It’s been troubling the whole equestrian community too.
According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners; in 2023, there were approximately 1,000 reported equine deaths in the United States as a result of animal bites. Such a tragic incident occurred in Dublin, which highlights the necessity of taking stronger measures against animal cruelty. This incident also sparked the equestrian community to come together and work for change.
Equestrian tragedy Unveiled
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Last week, My Lovely Horse Rescue (MLHR) charity unveiled a sombre story, recounting the tragic discovery of a 1-year-old horse that appeared to have been mauled to death after being tethered overnight. “This poor baby was found dead in Darndale, Dublin, behind Bewley’s head office,” they explained. This heart-wrenching incident has not only shaken the equestrian community but has also raised awareness of change in the pressing need for improved animal welfare measures.
The story began when a group of local residents stumbled upon the lifeless body of the yearling horse. Located behind Bewley’s head office in Darndale, the scene was nothing short of a nightmare. According to Newsweek.com, the? MLHR painted a grim picture of the young horse’s final moments?tied up and seemingly attacked by dogs or another wild animal. The defenseless creature had no means of escape, no access to water, and tragically, it was just a baby. The post’s words poignantly captured the collective grief: “RIP little girl, you so didn’t deserve this, at least you are now gone from this cruel world we hope to a better loving place.”
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A harrowing reality
Martina Kenny, co-founder of MLHR, shared the organization’s concerns about the impending winter season, revealing a dark truth. Horses tethered overnight are at increased risk of suffering harm, a prospect that deeply troubles those devoted to animal rescue. Kenny said, “Horses can only be left for a few days?there was no sign of water besides the yearling that died. Dogs and horses are being tied up all over the country. We know we’re coming into a brutal winter, and it’s killing us…We are struggling and trying to make plans for winter. We ideally want to build at least eight to nine more stables as well as more shelters on our own farm amid the bad weather.”
Read More: ?Heartbreaking?: Equestrian Community Grieves As Desert Crown Is Euthanized Following Severe Injury
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In the wake of this heart-wrenching incident, My Lovely Horse Rescue goes beyond mourning and points to a broader issue. It appeals to the establishment of a dedicated “animal crime unit” within An Garda Siochana, the national police service in Ireland. This unit would serve as a crucial force to enforce and uphold animal cruelty laws, ensuring that those who harm innocent creatures are held accountable. This plea encapsulates a critical step forward in the fight against cruelty towards animals and highlights the urgency of safeguarding their well-being.
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