Horse Racing 2023: Kentucky Derby Preparations MAY 04 May 4, 2023, Louisville, KY, USA: Verifying is walked off the track by trainer Brad Cox after losing his rider while exercising in preparation for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky. Jon Durr/Eclipse Sportswire/CSM/Sipa USACredit Image: Jon Durr/Cal Media/Sipa USA Louisville Churchill Downs KY USA NOxUSExINxGERMANY PUBLICATIONxINxALGxARGxAUTxBRNxBRAxCANxCHIxCHNxCOLxECUxEGYxGRExINDxIRIxIRQxISRxJORxKUWxLIBxLBAxMLTxMEXxMARxOMAxPERxQATxKSAxSUIxSYRxTUNxTURxUAExUKxVENxYEMxONLY Copyright: xCalxSportxMediax Editorial use only
Shocking allegations of horse abuse and neglect are circulating on social media platforms, sparking outrage among users. These disturbing claims are centered on John Byrialsens’ Stutteri Viegaard horse farm in Skals, Denmark. Recently surfaced photographs have shed light on the ongoing mistreatment of horses, resulting in widespread concern in the equestrian community.
This wave of controversy is fueled by both current and past incidents, intensifying demands for accountability and immediate intervention. The distressing state of affairs at Byrialsens’ Viegaard stud farm has raised significant worries regarding the welfare of the horses under his supervision.
The current situation unveils disturbing practices
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Unveiled images disclose horses being fed rotten silage, residing in unclean stalls, enduring untreated open wounds, and experiencing a dearth of medical care. Such revelations prompted animal welfare organizations to promptly report the facility to the relevant authorities. Furthermore, whistleblowers such as Tyrell Cotant have taken a brave stance against wrongdoing by sharing their direct experiences with the appalling conditions at Viegaard.
Cotant’s allegations include reports of Byrialsen relocating horses covertly in a red trailer overnight so as not to be detected during inspections by authorities. Consequently, this situation demands urgent intervention and more stringent regulations aimed at safeguarding animal welfare. Nonetheless, it must be emphasized that the controversy currently surrounding Byrialsen is not an isolated occurrence.
Past incidents expose a troubling equestrian history
Previous events have brought to light a disturbing pattern of misconduct at Byrialsen’s stud farm located in Posadowo, Poland. Reports emerged revealing alarming conditions, which motivated Polish animal welfare organizations to step forward for intervention in both 2011 and 2013.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Wholesome Bond Between Equestrian and Mare Comes to an End With a Tragic Fate After 28 Years
Consequently, authorities seized 64 horses, shedding light on Byrialsen’s questionable practices and sparking apprehension regarding the treatment of animals entrusted to his care.
via Imago sleeping horse PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xmichael-kax Panthermedia02540505
Bringing attention closer to home inspections conducted at Byrialsens Viegaard stud farm in Denmark brought to light additional cases of neglect. During one inspection alone, authorities discovered 15 horses suffering from undernourishment and another 10 with severely neglected hooves. The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration formally recognized this as a violation of the Animal Welfare Act. However, debates pertaining to the seriousness of these offenses have emerged among animal welfare advocates. Considering both present-day revelations and past incidents reinforces the pressing need to establish accountability. It has also now become necessary to adopt more robust measures aimed at safeguarding the well-being of horses.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: Series of Unfortunate Events Baffle Equestrian World as Cowboy Falls Prey to Accidental Shooting