PETA Charges Totilas Owners with Animal Welfare Violation

Eurodressage.com is reporting that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) in Germany has filed charges against the owners of champion dressage stallion, Totilas.  The charges concern both training and stabling practices.

PETA alleges that dressage horses are considered as "expensive sports equipment."  Further, PETA contends that Totilas is being trained with the "Rollkur" method in which the animal is tortured as the rider pulls the horse's head into a position where it cannot see and is unable to keep its balance.

In regard to Totilas' stabling, PETA charges that the stallion is not allowed to graze nor socialize with other horses which violates the Animal Welfare Act.

Partial News Release Translation:

On suspicion of animal cruelty PETA filed a criminal complaint after months of research - on the one hand due to the Rollkur, on the other hand due to the fact that Totilas is no free grazing is available. PETA believes that horses need to be sure to contact counterparts in order to live out their social contacts. Moreover, it is for the health of animals very important that they are allowed to move freely. That is part of the guidelines of the Ministry of Agriculture to keep horses. We also call for the banning of such animals as the harsh training methods Rollkur and stronger controls on tournaments.

For further information, check the report at Eurodressage.com.