A man suspected of whipping a horse in Swatar was yesterday being interrogated by the police.
Anyone who saw a writhing horse being flogged on Sunday afternoon is being asked to contact the Animal Welfare Department and the police.
The incident happened at around 2.45pm, according to a witness who managed to catch on camera a man whipping a horse that lay on its side on the ground in front of a sulky. The footage shows a man holding the reins of the horse in one hand and a whip in the other, lashing at least twice at the horse in just 10 seconds.
The horse‘s body shudders with every lash, as a younger man looks on from next to the sulky.
The Animal Welfare Department told this newspaper it had been alerted on Sunday. “The department acted immediately by dispatching two animal welfare officers. By the time they arrived on the scene, both owner and horse were gone,” a spokes-man said.
Animal Welfare acted immediately by dispatching two officers. By the time they arrived on the scene, both owner and horse were gone
The Animal Welfare is appealing for any information that might help with the investigation. The department can be reached on 1717.
The police can be reached on 21224 001-9 or 119.
When receiving such reports, the department dispatches officers to investigate. In cases of animal abuse or breach of welfare regulations, it can take the case to court with the collaboration of other authorities such as the police.
The footage sent ripples of frustration and anger across social media, with several people calling for justice for the helpless horse.
Animal Rights Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes said on Twitter that the video had been passed on to the police for “immediate investigation”.
Meanwhile, a protest about animal welfare enforcement, which was already in the pipeline before the video emerged online, is planned for April 17.
Organised by animal rights activist Moira Delia, it will start at10.30am next to the Love monument in Spinola.
The issues expected to be brought up during the protest include enforcement of new laws about exotic and wild animals and other topics such as the lack of shelter for cab horses.