Cruel incident: Pregnant horse mistreated in Westercelle!

Cruel incident: Pregnant horse mistreated in Westercelle!

In the tranquil community of Westercelle, located in the Lower Saxony town of Celle, an incident that deeply moves the local animal lovers is still being talked about. On the evening of June 19th, a pregnant horse was mistreated in a pasture on Bennebosteler Strasse. At 10.30 p.m. an unknown perpetrator was seen making his way through a paddock in the direction of Bennebostel. After an initial examination, a veterinarian found that the tortured animal had minor injuries that indicated physical injuries.

After this shocking act, the police immediately started investigating animal cruelty against unknown people. In this context, officials rely on information from the public. Police spokeswoman Ulrike Trumtrar confirmed that no tools were used in the abuse, but the exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear. Witnesses are asked to call (05142) 2770 to help clarify the matter. Pictures of the perpetrator are currently circulating on various social media forums and are attracting a lot of attention in the community.

Looking for the perpetrator

The investigators use modern technology to track down the perpetrator. Wildlife camera footage documents the incident, raising hopes that he can be identified quickly. In addition to the physical abuse of the horse, this incident once again shows the problem of animal cruelty in Germany's animal husbandry conditions.

In the discussion about the protection of animals, reference is repeatedly made to the strict laws that apply in Germany. According to Section 17 No. 1 of the Animal Protection Act, killing an animal without a reasonable reason is a punishable offense. The infliction of significant pain is also strictly prohibited, as an analysis of the legal framework for animal protection shows. Despite these regulations, there are repeated reports that mistreatment of farm animals rarely results in consequences. In 2020, only 1,027 people were convicted of animal welfare crimes, and 95% of those received only fines.

Animal protection in agriculture

The facts speak for themselves – the prosecution of animal cruelty is often inadequate. An unpublished study shows that criminal offenses involving farm animals and pets often go unpunished. In only one of around 150 cases examined was a prison sentence imposed, which was suspended. These developments not only raise public interest, but also calls for reforms in animal welfare criminal law. It must finally be ensured that animals are not only perceived as economic goods, but also as living beings, say the experts.

In view of the events in Westercelle, many people are expressing their solidarity with the mistreated horse and his unbroken hopes. May she recover quickly and live a life of dignity! In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether the prosecutor's delegates and the veterinary authorities in Germany will take a more decisive course in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty in the future.

For further information on the incident in Westercelle and the ongoing investigation, please refer to the reports from NDR and Celler newspaper. Understanding and support are needed now.

We hope that one day all forms of animal cruelty will be a thing of the past and that legislation to protect animals will actually be used effectively, as in an in-depth analysis of LTO is discussed.