The German branch of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has filed an official complaint with the public prosecutor in Aachen against Matthias Rath and Edward Gal on the suspicion of animal cruelty.
German PETA has been a fierce advocate against animal abuse in equestrian sport and is even for a "strict ban on competitive horse sport, as the animals are obviously tormented inherent to that system."
PETA stated that "at this year's European Riding Championships in Aachen spectators and judges were witness of questionable treatment of the riders Matthias Rath and Edwar Gal of their horses. Wonder horse Totilas, whose career has been obviously ended after years of suffering, was forced by Matthias Rath into a test despite an inflamed oedema of the bone. Gal's horse Undercover bled from his mouth during his dressage riding and was brought to submission by the abusive rollkur."
"It is completely unacceptable to abuse horses are sport equipment and force them into unnatural performances," said Dr. Edmund Haferbeck who is head pf PETA Germany's legal department. "The ambition to win shows at any cost prevents riders from seeing their horses as sentient creatures. When the animals no longer give the wanted achievements, they are disposed of as a commodity."
PETA Germany has already unsuccessfully filed a complaint against Totilas' owner Linsenhoff and Schockemohle for horse abuse in 2012. After an investigation the Frankfurt state attorney dropped all charges iin April 2013, as no signs of abuse were detected on a horse management, nor training level.
Read PETA's statement here (in German).
Related Links
State Attorney Drops Charges in PETA-Totilas Abuse Case
German PETA's Charges Answered, State Prosecution Investigates
German Branch PETA Files Charges Against Totilas' Owners