James Bryce
By Wendy Williams
A FIVE month old foal abandoned by the side of the road after watching its mother killed by gypsies has found a safe home, temporarily at least.
The young colt, named Conka, had been left traumatised after its mother had been beaten with iron bars and dragged down the road for refusing to get into a horse box.
But now, after an incredible battle with its owners, the foal is being allowed to stay with a friend of expat horse trainer Tracey Parker, who witnessed the appalling incident in Secadero a month ago.
But not before she was confronted by the owner who insisted the foal was his.
“I went straight to the police and pointed out all the laws that the owner had broken,” explained Parker, 48.
The foal has now been allowed to stay with the friend temporarily, she claims, while two men have been summoned to court to answer charges.
“These people need to be made an example of,” continued Parker. “I hope something is done.”
Since reporting on the incident last issue the Olive Press has been flooded with comments from concerned readers.
I hope that The Olive Press and its readers keep up the pressure to see these ‘people’convicted and hope that the Spanish Press and TV will pick up the story, too.
However, there was no need to point out that these criminals are gypsies.
I agree with the above comment, perhaps Olive Press could make explain why it is journalistically relevant to mention that the alleged perpetrators may be gypsies.
Institutional racism is found in all cultures. Gypsies have been pilloried for centuries.
Consider how people would react if this story read, “after watching its mother killed by black people…” This is racism.
And by the way, the Gypsies are an ethnic group and therefore the word should always be capitalized. In Spain, they are not called Gypsies but Gitanos.
This is absolutely outrageous. There is no evidence presented whatsoever that these were Gypsies of any kind. Moreover, it is unlikely that they were. Gypsies place a great value on horses (as do I, so this is not a light matter to me on the horse’s side either), and they take pride in the skilled way they handle them. As stated in the comment above, this, as written, is pure racism.
I can’t believe you people are discussing whether racism has or has not taken place. The point is that these beasts (whatever, their race) have brutally killed an animal in their charge and traumatied her foal. The most important issue now is that these inhumane scum should be incarcerated and never be allowed to own an animal again. The foal should be protected and never have to come into contact with anyone connected to these savages.
LOS GITANOS SIEMPRE HAN TRATADO MUY MAL A LOS ANIMALES . ESO ES UNA VERDAD Y UNA EVIDENCIA DEMOSTRADA . AHORA HAN ASESINADO A UN CABALLO Y DEBEN SER CASTIGADOS SEGUN LA LEY . NO ES RACISMO , ES UNA VERDAD CONSTATABLE .
Totally agree with Pearl. She couldn’t have put it better.
Seems like everyone has totally missed the point that an animal has been killed in an horrendous manner, leaving its foal in a very distressed state. We can only hope they will be brought to justice, but sadly am not very optimistic.
Gypsies or not is irrelevant – whoever did this is a disgrace to the human race.
Absolutely disgusting, the poor mare. I hope the scum that killed her get their just deserves, but sadly, knowing Spain and its attitude towards animal cruelty I too am not optimistic.
A scenario far too common. Cruelty to animals abounds in Spain—to horses, bulls, and many other animals especially the Galgos where they are slaughtered by the TENS of THOUSANDS on a yearly basis after the hunting season is over by means so sinister and appaling. Yes, Spain has a lousy reputation which grows every day as more people are aware of some of its citizens’ atrocious treatment of animals.
I agree that the barbaric people who killed this poor Mare need to be punished and am so glad that the foal was saved. I also agree that “some” Spanish people do not care for their animals but as I am a Brit living in Spain I work with some lovely caring people who spend all their spare time looking after and rehoming abandoned and injured animals. Animal abuse takes place all over the world including the UK so please don’t just blame the Spanish!!!!