For centuries, wild horses have roamed the Danube delta of Romania. Circumstances dating back seven centuries have led to an increase in the number of horses on the plains, especially in the Letea forest, Romania’s oldest nature reserve. In 2011, authorities declared the horses a danger to the protected forest and considered shooting them or sending them to the slaughterhouse as the only solution.
Catch the wind of the next brutality, International FOUR FOOT have come to protect and rescue these wild horses. Working with the Romanian government, the animal rights advocacy group implemented a birth control program for horses to provide a permanent solution to population control.
A decade later, the show is still a success and FOUR LEGS Still patrolling the plains, saving horses from hunters who would kill them for cash. And a rescue story shows how grateful these horses are for the help.
Chained
During a run in Letea, a group of FOUR PAWS encountered a wild horse with its front legs chained and trying to run. Sadly, it’s not something unusual for them to find.
Like Four Legs explain, “In many parts of Romania, it is customary to connect the front or rear legs of a horse with a leash. This prevents them from escaping.”
When FOUR PAWS veterinarian Ovidiu Rosu saw the horse, he “had to free it from its misery.”
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After reassuring the horse for its safety and that of the crew, Dr. Rosu covered the horse’s eyes as this was a way to keep the horse calm, whether indoors or in the wild. And with the horse being able to rest easily, Dr. Rosu took the leash off the leash and freed the horse’s trapped legs. The chain had cut the horse’s ankle, but now she’s free again and the sore should heal.
extremely grateful
As Dr. Rosu worked, several herds of chained horses remained nearby, watching the doctor work. They worry about their pack mates, but they know these people are here to help, not hurt.
When Rosu finished, those grateful friends came forward to say thank you, one even giving the vet a passionate kiss.
As the sedation began to wear off, the crew helped the horse to her feet and watched as she took her first steps back to freedom.
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Watch the full emotional scene below.
Featured pictures: FOUR-PEN International/YouTube
