(Patriot.Buzz) – Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin was caught on video whipping a horse and now she has been suspended for a year.
See the video below.
The International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) imposed this ban, effectively prohibiting her from competitive events until next July.
The suspension follows the FEI’s review of a damning video showing Dujardin, during a coaching session, using a whip on a horse.
This clear violation of the sport’s ethics and animal welfare standards has sent shockwaves through the equestrian community.
The footage was brought to the FEI’s attention by a Dutch lawyer on behalf of an unnamed individual, which highlights the power of vigilant citizens in exposing animal abuse.
Dujardin, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has been handed a one-year ban, backdated to July 23 this year. This means she cannot compete again until July next year.
In addition to the suspension, Dujardin has been fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($11,300) for “engaging in conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare.”
This substantial financial penalty underscores the severity of her actions and the FEI’s commitment to maintaining humane practices within equestrian sports.
Surprisingly, the medalist has accepted the sanctions and will not appeal the decision. This raises questions about the prevalence of such abusive practices in the sport and whether this incident is truly an isolated case, as the FEI claimed.
Given the severity of the punishment, the governing body’s assertion that this “constituted the only occurrence of horse abuse committed by” Dujardin seems suspiciously generous.
Moreover, Dutch equine lawyer Stephan Wensing filed the complaint on behalf of an unnamed client.
This anonymous whistleblower’s actions have sparked a crucial conversation about animal rights and the ethical treatment of horses in competitive sports.
Dujardin’s impressive Olympic achievements, including gold medals in team and individual dressage at the 2012 London Olympics and an individual gold at the 2016 Rio Games, now stand tarnished by this scandal.
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