# Animal cruelty and illegal racing in Catania > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/animal-cruelty-and-illegal-racing-in-catania > Updated: 2026-10-16T08:15:12.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2. Authorities in the Catania region of Italy are investigating incidents involving illegal horse racing and animal maltreatment. Following the circulation of social media videos showing a clandestine horse race in Palagonia, police identified five individuals. The footage reportedly depicted participants on scooters brandishing pistols while escorting horses through local roads. During this investigation, a seven-month-old foal was rescued from a stable in the San Cristoforo district. In a related discovery, the State Police's mounted squad and veterinary officials located an illegal stable in Villaggio Sant’Agata. The inspection revealed a malnourished, unrecorded seven-month-old foal living in cramped, unauthorized conditions. A 19-year-old man was identified as the owner of the structure, which occupied part of a public roadway. He was fined 6,500 euros and reported to judicial authorities for suspected animal maltreatment. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-16: Catania police discover illegal stable and malnourished foal Authorities in Catania discovered an illegal stable in Villaggio Sant’Agata housing a malnourished seven-month-old foal. A 19-year-old man faces animal maltreatment charges and a 6,500 euro fine. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/catania-police-discover-illegal-stable-and-malnourished-foal ### 2026-10-09: Palagonia: Five reported after clandestine horse race involving firearms Catania police reported five individuals following a clandestine horse race in Palagonia involving scooters and firearms. A seven-month-old foal was rescued and local groups have raised concerns over organized' 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/palagonia-five-reported-after-clandestine-horse-race-involving-firearms --- Cite as: Animal cruelty and illegal racing in Catania. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/animal-cruelty-and-illegal-racing-in-catania