News • December 07 2003

Death of 30 ponies destined for Malta blamed on Dutch vet

Matthew Vella
Fingers are being pointed at a Dutch veterinarian by the Maltese importers who were planning to bring over 40 ponies from the Netherlands to Malta. The names of the Maltese importers have been mentioned by the Italian investigators in connection with the tragedy. However, the Maltese nationals, from Mosta, are seeking legal advice to sue the Dutch vet who certified the horse transporter carrying the ponies down to the South of Italy, where they would be taken by sea over to Malta.
The importers are being mentioned in relation to the death of 30 ponies following investigations by the public prosecution of Civitavecchia, Italy, where the ponies were found dead.
The horse importers told MaltaToday the veterinary officer was responsible for confirming that the transport of the animals was according to regulations, since the journey through the Italian peninsula took about three days. The transporter was not spacious enough to take the load of 40 ponies.
Late on Tuesday 25 November, 28 ponies were found dead in the Dutch-licensed transporter by Italian Carabinieri during a police roadblock at Civitavecchia, just 50km away from Rome. Another 10 ponies, found precariously close to death, were taken to the nearest vet who managed to save the animals at the last minute. Two further ponies died on the spot whilst being filmed by the Italian press, who had arrived at the desperate scene.
According to the Italian investigators probing the case, the lack of water and ventilation in the container truck directly caused the death of the foals during the long haul.
The truck was driven by Janutrus Spolder, a 47-year old Dutchman, who got lost near Tolfa, about 70km from Rome, three days into his journey. He has been charged with animal maltreatment for loading a truck with 40 ponies that was not large enough for half his load. The driver has, however, not been detained by the authorities.
MaltaToday is informed that the transporter, allegedly a refrigerator truck, was not found in possession of a schedule timetable for transportation, which is obligatory by EU law in the transport of animals, confirming that the transporter had not been checked regularly by the veterinary officer on departure.
The surviving horses are being kept at the Tomassetti stables, at Manziana, 40 km away from Civitavecchia. The keeper at Tomassetti said he will return the remaining horses to the legitimate proprietor only after receiving payment for maintenance expenses and for the removal of the 30 horse
cadavers.
matthew@newsworksltd.com