They don't let them rest, they don't give them water, and they put too much strain on them (some pull carts). So they die. It happens during the Romeria del Rocío, a pilgrimage that takes place every year to the sanctuary of the Blanca Paloma, in Spain, and which ends today
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
Since 2007, more than 200 horses have died of starvation on this pilgrimage, in which around 2000 specimens are used each year
They don't let them rest, they don't give them water and they put too much strain on them (some pull carts). So they die. It happens during the Pilgrimage of the Dew, a pilgrimage that takes place every year to the sanctuary of Blanca Paloma, in Spain, and ends today.
The balance is tragic. This year they amount to seven horses died along the way according to Plan Romero, the safety plan activated for the event.
Seven horses died during the Spanish pilgrimage
This year they are seven horses died during the Rocío pilgrimage, an event that takes place every year in southern Spain and which ended today.
The figure emerges from the report of Rosemary Plan, plan of the junta of Andalusia to prevent and deal with emergency situations that may arise during the pilgrimage. The news was reported by El diario,
Il pilgrimage to the Rocío is an event that involves hundreds of thousands of people every year: it traditionally takes place a horse riding or on horse-drawn carriages.
The Animalist Party Against Animal Abuse (PACMA) has already denounced several times over the last few years abuse suffered by horses on this pilgrimage. In 2018, the balance presented by PACMA reported about 200 deaths among the two thousand horses, oxen and donkeys used by pilgrims.
To try to reduce the deaths of animals, the Rifugio del Burrito, an organization that works for the defense of animals, has drawn up a decalogue with a series of rules to be respected for ensure the welfare of horses participating in the pilgrimage.
These are common sense recommendations based on the Andalusian Animal Protection Act enacted in 2003. The recommendations include providing water, shade and rest for animals, providing assistance to animals that are injured or sick while walking, and do not subject the horses to excessive strain or loads.
The Spanish penal code provides for penalties of up to 60 thousand euros and prison sentences for those who cause suffering and death to animals.
The Rocío pilgrimage
La Pilgrimage of the Dew it is a very important and heartfelt event in Spain. Every year thousands of people leave from all over Andalusia and from abroad, often gathered in brotherhoods, to participate in this pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of the Rocío. The pilgrimage it involves four itineraries that lead to the sanctuary of the Blanca Palona, in the locality of Rocío.
The event takes place during Pentecost, fifty days after Easter, and combines religion and celebration. Faithful and non-faithful participate: during the day the pilgrims advance along the path, while in the evening they gather around bonfires and celebrate until dawn with food, songs and dances.
Traditionally the pilgrimage takes place in saddle on horseback or on horse-drawn carriages, but it can also be done on foot or using other animals such as donkeys or oxen.
The journey ends with the “leap de la verja”, when the pilgrims climb over the gate of the sanctuary and lead the Madonna outside along the streets of the city of Almonte.
Read also:
- Beaten and bloodily wounded camels and horses: what lies behind a sightseeing tour in the Pyramids
- Undernourished, abused and injured: we save the horses of the lager breeding of Lenght
Tatiana Maselli
