UPDATE (9 p.m.): The City of Mobile will investigate what led to a horse seemingly collapsing, and the actions that followed, during the Condé Cavaliers’ Mardi Gras parade, News 5 has confirmed.
“Animal Services will coordinate with the Mobile Police Department to investigate this incident further and determine whether criminal charges are appropriate,” Robert Bryant, the city’s director of Animal Services, said in a written statement.
The city seeks the public’s help with the investigation.
“If you know of anyone or hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, please have them reach out to us at animalshelter@cityofmobile.org,” he said.
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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — A horse collapsed Friday night during Mobile’s first Mardi Gras parade, witnesses said. Now, outraged onlookers want answers.
‘It’s time for an explanation’
The Condé Cavaliers’ latest Facebook post shows a float in the shape of a train rolling down the street — but the comments on that post are entirely unrelated.
“Justice for the horse!” one person said.
“Do better!” said another.
“It’s time for an explanation!” said another.
Outrage followed the parade after attendees shared social media videos of a horse seemingly collapsing.
But what happened next is what alarmed viewers.
In videos shared with WKRG News 5 and used with permission, the horse lies on the street with a Cavalier rider still on top of it. Next, another person approaches the horse and appears to slap and kick the animal until it stands up.
News 5 reporters watched different videos of the incident from various angles to describe what appeared to happen to the horse; this is our good-faith description.
We contacted the Condé Cavaliers president (Mardi Gras organizations keep members’ identities a secret), who said they are still learning more about the incident and do not have a comment.
We’re also working to identify the person who appeared to slap the horse and hear his thoughts about what happened.
‘Horses are a Mardi Gras tradition’
While News 5 waits to hear from the Condé Cavaliers and the man who appeared to slap the horse, here’s what we do know: horses involved in Mardi Gras parades typically are privately owned and are not associated with the Mobile Police Department mounted unit.
“Horses are a Mardi Gras tradition that many want to keep going and we can understand that,” the MPD Mounted Auxiliary Board of Directors said in a statement to News 5. “Here in Mobile, we have many organizations with horses that are seen during parades.
“There is a way to get horses and riders parade ready, but the owner and riders need to invest the money and do it ethically.”
The Mobile Police Department now offers discounted training clinics for parade marshals and their horses for the Mardi Gras season.
“We are willing to offer a discounted clinic just for the (marshals) and the horses they will be riding for next year,” the board said. “We also offer this type of training to the public with clinics throughout the year as well as offering our Mardi Gras School to the public.”
For more information on the clinics, you can contact mgmountedschool@gmail.com.
This is a developing story. News 5 will update this article as more information becomes available.