On 28 November 2014, the Court of Aalborg has acquitted Andreas Helgstrand of the charge of animal cruelty. In April 2014 Helgstrand was accused of animal cruelty based on photos and video footage taken of him riding Akeem Foldager during his open-house day.
Helgstrand was reported to the Danish police accused of animal cruelty. However, the court has now acquitted him of all charges.
”I am very happy about the ruling of the court; it is important for me personally, but also for the sport in general. It has been quite tough to have these accusations hovering, but my family and I are now focusing on the future instead," said Helgstrand.
Since the indictment, Helgstrand has withdrawn from all competition and has no longer been competing internationally. He also withdrew from Danish team selection for the 2014 World Equestrian Games and Akeem Foldager has not been out to a show since then.
The verdict for acquittal is based on the fact that the prosecutor did not prove that Akeem suffered any harm on 12 April 2014 according to the animal protection laws § 1, 2 and 17.
"The verdict was based on anonymous photos and the results of the veterinarian examination of Akeem Foldager carried out on April 19 2014 as required by Dansk Ride Forbund (Danish Equestrian Federation)," Helgstrand added.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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