Target: Mohamed Shawky, Public Prosecutor, Cairo, Egypt
Goal: Ensure the individual allegedly responsible for beating a collapsed, severely dehydrated horse is identified, arrested, and prosecuted under Egypt’s animal protection laws.
A horse had already collapsed. According to witnesses, it could no longer pull the carriage that depended on its labor. Yet, as captured on a cellphone video, the animal was struck repeatedly while lying helpless on scorching asphalt beneath the intense afternoon sun.
According to publicly reported information, the incident occurred in Cairo’s Nazlet El-Semman district, where a tourist carriage horse collapsed from severe heat exhaustion. Veterinarians who later examined the animal found profound dehydration and an untreated chronic joint infection affecting one of its front legs. Despite the horse’s condition, the unidentified handler was seen continuing to strike the animal before allegedly abandoning the carriage and fleeing when municipal police arrived.
The horse was legally confiscated and transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, where specialists began intensive cooling treatment and intravenous fluid therapy. Animal welfare advocates have filed a formal complaint seeking an arrest warrant for the owner. The investigation remains ongoing, and no court has determined criminal liability.
This case highlights the vulnerability of working animals whose welfare depends entirely upon those who profit from their labor. Horses that generate income for humans deserve adequate veterinary care, rest, water, and protection from extreme environmental conditions. Forcing an already injured and exhausted animal to continue working should never be tolerated. A thorough investigation and meaningful legal accountability would reinforce that economic benefit cannot excuse alleged cruelty.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Public Prosecutor Shawky,
The treatment of a working horse has generated widespread concern after video footage showed an exhausted animal being struck while collapsed on hot pavement. Veterinary findings suggested that the horse was already suffering from severe dehydration and a chronic leg condition. Authorities continue reviewing surveillance footage and witness evidence to identify the individual who fled the scene.
Please ensure that the owner sought under the arrest warrant is prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by Egyptian law. Working animals deserve humane treatment, proper medical care, and meaningful legal protection from abuse.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
