Target: Mohamed Shawky, Attorney General of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
Goal: Seel justice for carriage horse forced to work while severely lame, deprived of water and rest, and struck after collapsing from heat exhaustion.
Authorities launched a criminal investigation after video footage showed a carriage horse collapsing onto hot pavement before municipal authorities and veterinary responders intervened.
Veterinarians confirmed that the horse was suffering from severe heat exhaustion, dehydration, and untreated joint infections when they examined the animal. Investigators alleged that the handler may have repeatedly struck the horse after it collapsed while attempting to force it back to work. Investigators also reported that the horse may have been required to work for approximately twelve hours without adequate access to clean drinking water or rest breaks, resulting in severe metabolic shock. The horse was confiscated and transferred to an emergency veterinary clinic for intensive treatment.
Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence to identify the individual involved and determine whether criminal charges are warranted. No suspect has been arrested. If the evidence establishes that this working horse was subjected to prolonged overwork, deprivation, and physical abuse, meaningful punishment must follow. Animals used in tourism deserve humane treatment and proper care. Vigorous enforcement of Egypt’s animal welfare laws is essential to deter similar conduct and protect vulnerable working animals from preventable suffering.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Attorney General Shawky,
Video footage showed a collapsed carriage horse, with investigators indicating that the unidentified handler may have struck the animal while it was suffering from severe heat-related distress.
Veterinarians confirmed the horse was in critical condition from heat exhaustion, dehydration, and untreated joint infections. Investigators further indicate that the handler may have forced the animal to work for extended hours without adequate water or rest before it collapsed. Those circumstances remain subject to judicial determination, and investigators continue working to identify the individual responsible.
Please ensure that this investigation receives every available prosecutorial resource and that, if the handler is identified and the evidence supports prosecution, all appropriate criminal penalties are pursued. If investigators establish the culpability of the individual responsible, meaningful punishment should follow under Egyptian law.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Heather Moreton
