Catania police discover illegal stable and malnourished foal

Police and veterinary officials discovered an illegal stable in Villaggio Sant’Agata, Catania, containing a seven-month-old foal in poor health. The discovery was made by the State Police's mounted squad during a patrol after they noticed a strong odor of manure.

With assistance from the Fire Department and Asp veterinarians, authorities accessed the structure and found the animal living in cramped conditions with very low ceilings and no automatic water dispenser. The foal was found to be unrecorded and lacked a microchip, which veterinarians subsequently applied.

A 19-year-old local man was identified as the owner. He reportedly constructed the stable without authorization next to his home, occupying part of the public roadway. The individual has been fined 6,500 euros and reported to judicial authorities for suspected animal maltreatment.