Allegations Against Vienna Spanish Riding School: Totschnig Commissioned Review

"The well-being of our Lipizzaners is our top priority," it was stated to the APA. The allegations reportedly stem from an internal survey conducted two years ago. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (BMLUK) responsible for the matter nevertheless announced an investigation.

As reported by ORF on Monday, the allegations involved "sensitive situations in handling young animals" as well as "non-animal welfare compliant procedures." The responsible Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) reacted immediately by instructing the ministry's internal audit to review these allegations.

"Now it is important to clarify and examine the facts," Totschnig was quoted in a statement. According to initial information from the Riding School, there was no animal cruelty at any time. The animals are doing well, which is ensured, among other things, by a company veterinarian. "In the current reorganization of the Spanish Riding School, the welfare of our Lipizzaners is certainly my top priority," the minister continued.

Spanish Riding School in Vienna Rejected Allegations

The Spanish Riding School "strongly rejected" the allegations of animal cruelty reported to the APA. "The well-being of our Lipizzaners is our top priority," it was stated. All training and care measures comply with the applicable animal welfare regulations and are continuously monitored by veterinary experts.

Individual perceptions expressed in the employee survey were "taken seriously, examined, and considered in the existing quality and animal welfare processes," according to the statement. "There has never been any cruel treatment of our horses, and it will not be tolerated at the Spanish Riding School," the Riding School stated.

The work at the Riding School is carried out "according to clearly defined, transparent standards that ensure the physical and psychological well-being of our horses. "Our goal is to responsibly preserve and continue the tradition of classical horsemanship in harmony with the highest animal welfare," the Riding School affirmed.

New Allegations Before Important Decisions

A follow-up report published in March by the Court of Audit (RH) on the Spanish Riding School was very positive: "Overall, there were improvements in animal welfare and animal health: A corresponding manual was revised and updated, and responsibilities were established. A project to improve the stable climate was being implemented," was the RH's conclusion at the time. The finalized "breeding strategy" was also positively noted, as well as the transparency in the training of riders.

Managing Director Hudler Lost Job in September

The now-public allegations were certainly not the first this year. In September, Managing Director Hudler was dismissed after the supervisory board of the Riding School informed the responsible Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (BMLUK) that it was necessary to "remove and dismiss" Hudler from his position. The reason was allegations against Hudler in the area of expense and business travel accounting. Maria Patek, former head of the agriculture department, temporarily took over his duties. In "a current parliamentary inquiry, the question is explicitly raised whether there might have been a 'targeted dismantling' of the then managing director," reported ORF Vienna on Monday regarding this case.

The Greens announced another parliamentary inquiry into the new suspicions on Tuesday: "The fact that animal welfare-related allegations apparently disappear in the drawer or are only partially passed on to the supervisory board paints a disastrous picture of the priorities of both the institution and the minister," said Olga Voglauer, animal welfare spokesperson for the Greens, in a statement.

The new allegations have now emerged just at a time when some important decisions are pending in the leading areas of the Spanish Riding School. On Wednesday, the supervisory board is to be newly appointed, and the application deadline for a new management ends. The Riding School is a public law corporation owned by the federal government.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.