The fiasco of the autopsy of the Świnoujście horse

The prosecutor's office is investigating the case of a horse that died last weekend on the Świnoujście promenade. The cause of death was supposed to be determined by an autopsy, but unfortunately, an autopsy was never performed, despite the experts' best efforts.

A horse—or rather, a mare—that was carrying tourists, tethered to a horse-drawn carriage, unexpectedly died right on the promenade. The incident occurred on Saturday (July 5th). The District Veterinarian investigated the incident and examined the animal's carcass.

"The horse had a passport without a date of birth issued 19 years ago, meaning the animal was at least 19 years old. The animal was well-maintained, shod, and well-fed. According to the interview, it was on its second horse-drawn carriage ride that day, with two passengers and the driver in the carriage," reports Provincial Veterinary Officer Maciej L. Prost, Ph.D., Veterinary Officer. "The Provincial Veterinary Officer's (PWW) documentation indicates that the animal was inspected by the PWW on August 23, 2024, and had a health certificate issued by the vet on July 15, 2024 (such an inspection is conducted once a year). This inspection is conducted based on the order of the Mayor of Świnoujście regarding the rules for the operation of horse-drawn carriages," added Prost. The District Prosecutor's Office in Świnoujście has launched an investigation into the matter, and investigators are investigating whether any animal abuse occurred.

There was supposed to be a section

An autopsy of the dead horse was supposed to clarify the matter. Unfortunately, investigators encountered an unusual problem. Although the examination was scheduled for Monday, the experts' plans were thwarted by natural disaster.

"A veterinarian traveled to Świnoujście to perform an autopsy on the horse. However, upon arrival, it was discovered that the horse's body had undergone such advanced post-mortem changes that the expert decided against performing an autopsy, as it would be pointless. The putrefactive changes were so advanced that an autopsy would not have revealed the cause of the horse's death," said prosecutor Julia Szozda, spokeswoman for the District Prosecutor's Office in Szczecin. At the same time, the prosecutor's office emphasized, this is not the end of the investigation. "The prosecutor has secured the documentation, so other evidence will certainly be used to determine its health," added prosecutor J. Szozda.

The horse caused a stir

The horse's case has caused a stir in Świnoujście. Internet users are calling for horse-drawn carriages to be replaced with electric vehicles, at least. On the other hand, though less frequent, are comments that humans have been using horses for work and transportation for thousands of years, and that it's nothing to be afraid of. Everyone agrees on one thing: animals should be treated well. Animal abuse is a crime in Poland, punishable by imprisonment from three months to five years. ©℗

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