Seizure of sick horses by the VMVT is legal
The Kaunas Regional Court has definitively confirmed that the confiscation of the animals in the Alytus horse case was legal. The case established systemic neglect and cruelty towards the animals and they will not be returned to their owner.
On 7 November. On 7 November, the Kaunas Regional Court dismissed the appeal of V.S. and upheld the decision of the Alytus District Court to ban the owner from keeping the animals for two years. Although the owner sought the return of the animals, the court stated that such a decision would be contrary to the protection of the animals from further ill-treatment.
The ruling underlines that the decision of the VMVT to remove the animals from the unsafe environment due to the recorded cruelty was lawful and justified, taking into account the extent of all the violations recorded.
An inspection carried out by the VMVT on V.S.'s farm in the summer of 2024 found that the owner had mistreated some of the animals and failed to properly care for them, and inspectors also found untagged horses and unvaccinated dogs in the farm. The animals were deprived of the necessary veterinary care, the housing conditions were inadequate for their species and physiological needs, the animals suffered pain and health risks: they were deprived of water, some of the animals were too thin and poorly housed, one horse was found with a broken neck and was left untreated and blinded, and the others were found to have deformed hooves – all of this confirmed the deliberate and long-lasting ignorance of the animals' poor health. More about this story in the VMVT was written here.
As a result of these actions, in accordance with the provisions of the Law on Animal Welfare and Protection and the Code of Administrative Offences, a fine of €610 was imposed on the owner of the animals and the confiscation of the animals: seven horses and an untagged foal were seized from the owner.
The Court of Appeal upheld the assessment of the VMVT and the Alytus District Court that, due to the prolonged neglect of the animals, the confiscation of the animals was a proportionate, necessary and the only effective measure to protect them.
When the Kaunas Regional Court dismissed Mr S.'s appeal, the costs of the lawyer's fees claimed by him were also not awarded against the VMVT.
The order of the Kaunas Regional Court has already entered into force and is not subject to appeal.
