Horses endangered by manipulated carrots – who is behind it?

Horses endangered by manipulated carrots – who is behind it?

In Wedel, in the beautiful Pinneberg district, an unfortunate incident caused a stir. At night, prepared carrots with pins were laid out in a paddock. This heinous act resulted in a horse being injured. The animal's owner, Ulrike Wehrspohn, noticed a change in her horse's behavior and immediately sought veterinary help. A veterinarian found a needle over four centimeters long in the horse's mouth, highlighting the frightening reality of this horrific situation.

The police reacted promptly and found a total of six prepared carrot remains in the paddock. Criminal proceedings under the Animal Welfare Act have been initiated, and the environmental investigation service of the Elmshorn police highway station is asking for information from the public. In response to the incidents, PETA has offered a reward of 500 euros for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators. PETA called it a miracle that the needle did not cause major damage and emphasizes that the incident is not isolated. An increasing number of poison baits have been discovered on nearby Feldstrasse, increasing concerns about the safety of pets.

Security measures and responses

In order to prevent future incidents, Ulrike Wehrspohn has significantly tightened the security precautions around the paddock. By installing a surveillance camera, she wants to ensure that the animals live in a protected environment. The incidents have raised awareness of the dangers affecting both horses and other animals. Discussions about animal protection became louder in other areas too - such as at the Horse Bodensee trade fair.

The fair, which takes place in Friedrichshafen, attracts thousands of horse fans every year and offers a colorful program with dressage performances and shows. Critics, including the animal protection organization PETA, accuse the organizers of exploiting the animals for entertainment purposes. Jana Hoger from PETA describes equestrian sport as socially accepted animal cruelty, while the organizers emphasize that all animal welfare regulations are strictly adhered to. The veterinary office carries out regular checks during the fair to ensure that there are no conditions that violate animal welfare.

The importance of animal welfare measures has also been underpinned by established guidelines and laws in Germany. The German Animal Welfare Act prohibits causing pain, suffering or harm to animals without a reasonable reason. Horse owners are obliged to treat their animals in a species-appropriate manner. This also applies to events such as the trade fair, which is controversial due to the close confines of the boxes and the associated stress.

An appeal to the community

These incidents highlight the importance of not only paying attention, but also taking action. Anyone who knows of cruel conditions to animals should not hesitate to contact the relevant authorities or animal protection organizations. Responsible treatment of animals is entrusted to decision-makers, owners and society. The animal welfare representative is a central contact point for mediating between owners, authorities and associations. It can also help to take legal action if necessary animal welfare requirements are not met.

The recent incidents in Wedel and the ongoing discussions about animal protection at events such as Pferde Bodensee show that we must remain vigilant. Animals have a right to a pain-free life, and it is up to all of us to ensure that this right is respected. In times like these, we must stand up for animal protection together!