At the beginning of August, our shelter took in Belfast Knight, a 27-year-old former international competition horse, and Ikar, 18 years old, who was suffering from a knee disability due to an old fracture. Both were voluntarily abandoned in a catastrophic state.
Belfast Knight had traveled around the world and competed at the highest level. But we found him in a cachectic, exhausted, broken state. Despite weeks of intensive care and attention, his body couldn’t hold on. A fracture in his elbow proved fatal.
? Belfast Knight passed away.
And 24 hours later, Ikar joined him. He couldn’t bear the loss of the one with whom he had shared everything: the fear, the pain, but also the rebirth. They had survived together, and they chose to leave together.
? An unacceptable situation.
This tragedy is neither an accident nor a fatality.
It is the result of a voluntary abandonment by a person already known for similar actions, and who still owns far too many animals today.
Despite previous alerts and interventions, nothing was done in time.
And as always, it is the animals who pay the highest price.
Until his last breath, Belfast Knight showed immense courage. We will remember his gaze, his will to live, and the dignity with which he fought.
A huge thank you to Watinco Assurances Équestres, his sponsor, for his regular presence and invaluable financial support.
⚠️ We demand concrete actions.
It is urgent that the authorities show firmness in the face of repeat offenses and neglect. “Voluntary” abandonments must no longer mask the failure of a system that failed to protect in time.
We will not remain silent.
Never again should a horse have to live through what Belfast Knight endured.
Goodbye to both of you…
The Veeweyde Team