The Nature Protection Service (SEPRONA) in Puerto de la Cruz is examining a man as the suspected offender of a case of animal cruelty following the demise of a horse during a traditional race held in the municipality of The Realejos.
The inquiry was initiated upon uncovering the circumstances surrounding the animal’s death. The officers of the Guardia Civil collected all relevant data to clarify the potential reasons behind the horse’s demise, as there were uncertainties regarding the possibility of a natural death.
The findings from the examinations conducted on the horse indicated that it may have perished from injuries compounded by the administration of an anti-inflammatory medication intended for acute musculoskeletal conditions prior to the race.
This medication is contraindicated for animals suffering from heart, liver, or kidney ailments, and should be administered only with a veterinary prescription and under the guidance of a qualified veterinarian.
The investigators established that this medication enabled the horse to compete without experiencing pain, effectively “masking” any underlying musculoskeletal issues it might have had, while exacerbating its condition and potentially leading to its fatality, as occurred in this instance.
Additionally, this active ingredient is banned under the regulations set forth by the Spanish Federation and consequently by the Canary Islands Equestrian Federation, as it is classified as a doping agent.
The investigation has been referred to the Court of Instruction No. 1 of La Orotava.
