Shield Cavalry Horses from Urban Dangers
2,050 signatures toward our 30,000 Goal
Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site
Join us in calling for urgent changes to protect these noble animals during military exercises.
In an unsettling event in central London, several horses from the prestigious Household Cavalry suffered severe injuries during a routine exercise in the Belgravia area. Startled by unexpected loud noises from nearby construction work, the animals bolted, leading to a distressing scene that unfolded through the bustling streets near Buckingham Palace1.
This incident resulted in injuries not only to the horses but also posed risks to public safety, drawing immediate response from emergency services who treated the injured at the scene2. Among the chaos, two horses, Vida and Quaker, were notably affected, sustaining injuries severe enough to require urgent surgical intervention3.
The images of these majestic animals, especially Vida, drenched in blood and galloping in panic, have shocked and touched many, highlighting a serious issue within our urban environments and the practices involving service animals3. As these horses are not only symbols of national pride but also sentient beings deserving of our utmost care, their plight has led to an outcry for change.
The Household Cavalry, known for its ceremonial roles and as a symbol of national heritage, and the British Army are now facing pressing questions regarding the safety measures in place during such exercises. There's a clear and present need to reassess how these exercises are conducted to prevent such incidents in the future4.
We believe it is our duty to advocate for these animals who serve our community with such loyalty and dignity. It is imperative that we ensure their well-being with better protective measures that can prevent unnecessary distress and injury.
How You Can Help
This incident is not just a call to action—it's a demand for immediate change. We urge you to join us in calling for the Household Cavalry and the British Army to implement comprehensive reviews and improvements to their safety protocols. By signing the petition, you are not only voicing your concern but are also standing up for the welfare of all service animals who deserve to carry out their duties without fear for their safety.
Your support can drive the change needed to ensure these animals are treated with the respect and care they deserve. Sign the petition and advocate for safer, more humane conditions that honor their service and contribution.
- Lianne Kolirin, CNN (24 April 2024), "Escaped army horses run amok in central London."
- Pan Pylas, Associated Press (26 April 2024), "Military horses loose and injured in central London incident."
- Megan Palin, New York Post (26 April 2024), "Blood-soaked UK military horse that stampeded through London needed emergency surgery and may never return to service."
- Jess Warren, BBC News, (25 April 2024), "'Too early to know' if horses from London's Household Cavalry will return to duty."
The Petition:
To the Commanding Officers of the Household Cavalry and the British Army
We, the undersigned, call upon the Household Cavalry and the British Army to undertake a full and transparent review of the current safety protocols concerning the use of animals during military exercises in urban settings. This request comes in the wake of the distressing incident in Belgravia, where multiple horses of the Household Cavalry were severely injured and visibly distressed, causing widespread public concern and questioning the adequacy of existing measures to protect these animals in densely populated areas.
Military exercises are a necessary aspect of readiness and ceremonial duties; however, they must not compromise the well-being of the animals involved. The recent events in Central London, where horses were panicked by unexpected construction noise, leading to injuries and chaos, illustrate a significant oversight in the planning and execution of urban military exercises. This incident not only endangered the horses but also posed a risk to public safety and tarnished the prestigious image of the Household Cavalry.
Animals, like humans, deserve to be treated with care and respect, particularly when they serve alongside our soldiers. It is imperative that we ensure their well-being by establishing robust protocols that consider the potential hazards of urban environments. This includes but is not limited to comprehensive pre-exercise assessments of routes, better acclimatization to urban noises, and stricter control measures during exercises.
By revisiting and enhancing these safety protocols, we not only safeguard the animals but also demonstrate our commitment to humane practices in all aspects of military operations. We believe that these actions will reinforce public trust in our military institutions and reflect positively on the values of the United Kingdom.
We urge the Household Cavalry and the British Army to take immediate action to review and improve the safety protocols for animals involved in military exercises in urban areas. Ensuring the safety and welfare of these animals will undoubtedly contribute to a better future for all, reflecting our nation’s respect for both its heritage and its duty of care towards all beings serving under its flag.
Your prompt attention to this matter will be greatly appreciated by concerned citizens and animal welfare advocates alike.
Sincerely,
