On Wednesday, a farrier appeared in court in the regional court of Salzburg for animal cruelty. The 41-year-old metal technician, who has worked part-time as a blacksmith for years, brutally assaulted the Noriker Moorhead mare “Flocke” in St. Margarethen im Lungau on April 21 this year.
The Styrian kicked the animal in the stomach and then hit the horse’s head and shoulder girdle with a kick. The blows were so hard that the shovel broke in two. Then the man with the broken handle continued to hit the animal. As a result, the horse ran into an iron bar and eventually died. According to defense attorney Dr. Martin Moser with blood-thinning drugs that the horse had in circulation at the time of the crime. In any case, the man’s punches and kicks would not have been responsible for the animal’s death.
“I was stressed and overreacting. I’m sorry and I don’t know why that happened,” the farrier regretted in the presence of judge Markus Hanl. The animal was restless and under the influence of medication, according to the suspect’s lawyer. Afterwards, the farrier would have said that the horse “should have overcome his stubbornness.” The judge investigated and stated, “Something like this doesn’t just happen.”
The confessed and impeccable farrier was not convicted. The proceedings ended with a diversion. That means: the man pays an amount of 1600 euros and in return the state closes the procedure. In addition, the farrier has no criminal record. The man paid the horse owner’s damages for the trial.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
