March, and in subsequent media coverage, a Show Hunter horse was attacked in
its yard at the Egmont A&P Showgrounds last Friday night/Saturday morning.
The horse was competing in the National Showjumping Series Finals staged
that weekend in Hawera. The horse (Squirt, owned and ridden by Kathryn
Corry) received burns to the left side of its face caused by the application
of a chemical substance, possibly creosote, a wood preservative. The
condition of the horse is improving slowly, though it is not yet known
whether it will compete at next week’s Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.
Hawera Police are treating the matter with appropriate seriousness and are
currently obtaining statements from a number of people involved in the Show
including other competitors. The Police investigation is likely to take
several days and it is not known at this stage when conclusions will be
reached. The Police have repeated their request for any ESNZ Member who has
information regarding the matter to contact Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett at
Hawera Police – 06 278 0260.
ESNZ wishes to reiterate its condemnation of the attack and would like to
thank all Members who have contacted the organisation to express their
concern at what has occurred and to offer support and assistance. Our horses
and ponies are the most important part of our sport and their welfare is
paramount in the rules and delivery of the sport. ESNZ will determine what
further action to take after the conclusion of the Police investigation.
ESNZ has received messages of support from around the world, including this
statement from Graeme Cooke, the FEI’s Veterinary Director - _“Whilst this
incident took place at a national Jumping competition in New Zealand and
therefore does not come under the FEI’s jurisdiction, we join with
Equestrian Sports New Zealand and everyone in our sport in condemning, in
the strongest possible terms, this case of apparent horse abuse. The FEI has
clear rules in place to support the welfare of horses competing at
International Events. These rules are strictly enforced and any reports of
abuse are fully investigated. Anyone found guilty of undertaking or
assisting in such abuse has no part to play in our sport.”_
ESNZ also wishes to advise Members that comments made on social media
websites or online forums could be subject to private legal proceedings by
any defamed party.
No comments:
Post a Comment