A woman has been charged after a vile online video surfaced which investigators say shows the repugnant torture of a horse.
But the condition and whereabouts of the horse remains cloudy and unclear. The mystery, intrigue and disturbing nature of this story of alleged animal cruelty continues.
So far, there has been no independent verification of a claim in an online crowd-funding effort that the animal was rescued and returned to her original owner.
At this point, no one has offered proof or documentation to show that the horse is alive and safe.
The health of this beautiful horse is the top priority for the thousands who responded to The Toronto Sun’s front page story on Sunday about the video that shows this poor animal with ropes around her head and neck being uncomfortably dragged along a road behind a moving vehicle.
The second part of the video, which depicts pools of blood near the horse’s bandaged hoofs, has disgusted people from all walks of life. They are also appalled at the creepy way in which a mysterious female was speaking to the horse, calling her a “retard.”
The OPP and animal welfare agencies have been investigating and on Monday, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General announced police charged a 23-year-old woman in connection with this ugly case.
“The ministry can confirm that Solstice Pecile, 23, of the Township of Cavan Monaghan, has been charged with Causing Distress to an Animal under Sec. 15 (1) of the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act,” said ministry spokesperson Brent Ross. “It is expected that the accused will appear in court on Jan. 11, 2023 at the Cobourg Provincial Offences Court. Given this matter is now before the court, it would be inappropriate to provide further detail.”
(WARNING: Graphic images)
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While the allegations have not been tested in court, if Pecile is convicted of this charge, she faces a sentence ranging from “a fine of not more than $130,000, to imprisonment for a term of not more than two years, or to both.” In addition, OPP Sgt. Robert Simpson told the Sun, officers continue their investigation.
Could others be charged? Who was driving the vehicle?
Details of this twisted nightmare have not come easily.
Pecile is well-known in the equine community as a champion competitor and a trainer, and is part of the family which operates Wishing Stone Farms, north of Port Hope, near the town of Bailieboro.
While Pecile or her family have yet to return requests for comment, the farm’s website indicates she “has been around horses her whole life” and “has ridden in long-distance riding for over 10 years” and “has been very successful.”
In a comment attributed to Pecile on the website, she said: “I have worked with many different animals my whole life. I have grown up on a horse farm, owning horses of my own; this has ensured I am responsible and great at problem-solving.”
Pecile is also quoted as saying she runs “my family farm, I teach riding lessons in a fun and positive way, and care for all of the animals on my farm to ensure their health and care are the top priority.”
The Wishing Stone Farms site offers an “equine boot camp” program, which offers “a full conditioning program for horses to be competition ready.”
In light of the charges, the Canadian Pony Club issued a statement saying it does not “condone or support the mistreatment of any animal, and we take the allegations seriously,” and “we are suspending their Pony Club membership pending the outcome of a non-biased, third-party investigation.”
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