Wallonia's Animal Welfare Unit has ordered the seizure of 13 horses, five ponies and a donkey from a stable in Baudour, Saint-Ghislain, according to the 'Animaux en péril' (Animals in Danger) association.
The operation, which was on an unusually large scale, involved no fewer than six shelters joining forces to help the animals in distress. In addition to Animaux en Péril, it involved Le Rêve d'Aby, Au Bonheur Animal, Help Animals, EquiRêve and Veeweyde Refuge du Marais.
According to Animaux en péril, the operation took place in a stable that usually offers boarding for equines and riding lessons for children. The owner of the premises was detained by the police "due to her violent behaviour" during the intervention.
The animals were in an alarming state of health, extremely emaciated and some were in an advanced stage of cachexia, a health condition characterised by severe weight loss and muscle wasting.
Once in their shelters, the equines were placed under close surveillance.
Around 20 stalls, all occupied, had no bedding, the horses and ponies were living in a layer of accumulated excrement, the hay nets were empty and there was no water available, according to the associations involved in the operation.
The outdoor areas were completely devoid of grass and some were littered with potentially dangerous objects such as sheet metal, electrical appliances, car wrecks and abandoned barriers.
The Animal Welfare Unit issued a report for violation of the Walloon Animal Welfare Code.
According to Animaux en péril, the owner could face criminal charges or administrative proceedings.
The association also stated that the final destination of the animals was up to Walloon Minister-President Adrien Dolimont, who is also responsible for animal welfare.
He is expected to confirm within two months whether the animals will be entrusted to the associations that have taken them in.
