Exclusive: Rescued horse illegally killed in Italian slaughterhouse
A horse was allegedly killed illegally at the Zerbini & Ragazzi slaughterhouse in Italy, a facility that processes horses for human consumption. The facility was at the center of an Animal Equality undercover investigation earlier this year.
The horse was under the guardianship of AnimaEquina APS, an organization dedicated to rescuing horses and helping them find new homes. According to the organization, the killing occurred without their knowledge or consent, through a series of unauthorized and unlawful transfers of the animal.
AnimaEquina APS states the horse had received medications during its lifetime incompatible with human consumption, making what occurred not only unlawful but a serious public health risk.
According to Matteo Cupi, Executive Director of Animal Equality Italy:
This is an extremely serious matter which…points to a system of criminal conduct behind horse slaughter in Italy. These are not isolated incidents or sporadic acts of negligence…Those who acted, those who failed to exercise oversight, and those who allowed all of this to happen must be held fully accountable.
Watch Animal Equality’s investigation into the Zerbini & Ragazzi slaughterhouse:
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Considered companions by many, horses are sensitive and intelligent animals who deserve protection.
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