For years, the Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) had openly criticized the authorities' persistent reluctance to enforce the animal welfare legislation and confiscate the animals on Mr. U.K's property. And once again, the authorities did not take immediate action which according to the Animal Welfare Act must intervene right away in case of reported animal abuse. It took a huge public outcry and persuasion from animal welfare organizations and concerned citizens for the authorities of the canton of Thurgau to finally step in and confiscate the horses on the property of Mr. U.K.

Shortly after, the horses were put up for auction and sold off to new owners, which in itself was a welcome decision. However, the auction took place almost immediately after confiscation, which was clearly not in the interest of the animals involved, because interested buyers were forced to make a hasty decision. Also, objections to a rushed auctioning off of the animals and proposals from animal welfare organizations to help find the horses adequate new homes were not taken very seriously.

In conclusion and on a positive note, this tragic case of animal cruelty and administrative failure and the public outcry it caused will hopefully lead to major improvements in the enforcement of the animal welfare legislation not only in the canton of Thurgau but also throughout Switzerland. Following this incident, the government of the canton of Thurgau has now appointed an investigation commission to examine the incident and the enforcement of the animal welfare legislation.  

For further information (in German) see TIR's news releases from August 4/8/15/18 and 29, 2017.