In Seville, Spain, while transporting tourists in a carriage, one horse died, and another collapsed due to the wild heat at +36°C, and sometimes even higher. As a result, an investigation into animal cruelty has been launched at this popular resort, Reuters reported.
Witnesses tried to help the exhausted horse and give them water but to no avail. The animal died next to a busy road. Police discovered that the mare was already showing symptoms of a fever from a previous illness, which was exacerbated by dehydration. Its owner is under investigation for possible animal cruelty.
One eyewitness said: “The drivers grabbed another horse and continued to drive the tourists right in front of the police, who, despite complaints, did not take action to revoke their licenses.” He added that the second horse also showed signs of dehydration, but was forced to continue working.
The carriage was probably carrying revelers at the city’s annual fair, which last year drew about 500,000 people. Horse-drawn tourist carriages are common in the city. In a statement from Seville’s mayor’s office, the animal protection service said it would step up checks on the horses’ welfare and urged owners to give the animals rest and water.
Seville is located in the hottest region of Spain, currently the temperature there reaches 36 degrees Celsius. Spain’s National Meteorological Agency has reported that this is likely the hottest April on record in the Iberian Peninsula. The heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, reaching around 40°C.