The annual Sartiglia horse race in Oristano, Sardinia, has become the center of a heated debate following claims by Italian Member of Parliament Michela Brambilla regarding the death of a mare during the February 15 event. Brambilla, representing the Noi Moderati party, has reignited calls for stricter regulations surrounding the use of animals in traditional festivals and performances, sparking a swift response from local authorities and veterinary experts. The controversy centers on allegations that the mare was unwell and pregnant when she participated in the race, ultimately collapsing in Piazza Manno before the competition for the Farmers’ Guild star.
Brambilla’s concerns are part of a broader push for legislation—currently under review by the Italian Chamber of Deputies’ Agriculture Committee—that would grant equines the legal status of “companion animals.” This designation would effectively halt the slaughter of horses and prohibit their use in events deemed stressful or dangerous, including historical reenactments and palio races. “Enough with the exploitation of horses,” Brambilla argued, specifically citing the Sartiglia as an example of practices needing reform. She has raised similar concerns about other events, including the Palio di Siena, and the use of horses to pull carriages in cities like Florence, as reported by TAG24.
Veterinary Examination Contradicts Pregnancy Claims
Yet, the Local Health Authority (ASL) of Oristano has strongly refuted the claim that the mare was pregnant at the time of her death. Giuseppe Sedda, director of the Livestock Hygiene Service and a veterinarian, stated that a thorough anatomical pathological examination conducted by the Zooprophylactic Institute revealed the cause of death to be a pulmonary artery aneurysm. “As per the official certification, she died of a pulmonary artery aneurysm. There was no ongoing pregnancy,” Sedda clarified, according to L’Unione Sarda.
Sedda further emphasized that all required procedures outlined in a decree issued on January 8, 2025, were followed meticulously, and that pre-event veterinary check-ups had indicated the mare was fit to participate. This assertion is supported by local officials, who have criticized Brambilla’s statements as unsubstantiated and damaging to the city’s reputation. Simone Prevete, the city’s Councilor for Culture, described the claims as “unsupported by facts,” while Carlo Cuccu, president of the Oristano Foundation, reiterated that the pregnancy hypothesis is “totally false,” pending the official report.
The Sartiglia Tradition and Recent Scrutiny
The Sartiglia is a centuries-old equestrian event deeply rooted in Sardinian tradition. It involves skilled horsemen attempting to pierce a star-shaped target with a sword while riding at full gallop. The race is a significant cultural event for Oristano, attracting both locals and tourists. However, the recent death of the mare has brought renewed scrutiny to the welfare of the animals involved. The event has faced increasing criticism from animal rights groups who argue that the speed and competitive nature of the race pose inherent risks to the horses.
The controversy surrounding the Sartiglia echoes broader debates about the ethical implications of using animals in traditional festivals and performances. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the Palio di Siena, a bareback horse race held twice each summer in Tuscany. The mayor of Siena, Nicoletta Fabio, has publicly defended the Palio, stating it is an integral part of the city’s identity and is conducted with rigorous veterinary oversight, as reported by TAG24.
Legislative Efforts and Ongoing Investigation
Brambilla’s proposed legislation aims to address these concerns by reclassifying equines as companion animals, a move that would significantly restrict their use in potentially harmful activities. The bill has been reintroduced for a fourth time and is currently being considered by the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. The proposed law seeks to conclude the practice of horse slaughter and prevent their participation in events considered stressful or dangerous.
While the ASL has definitively ruled out pregnancy as a factor in the mare’s death, the incident continues to fuel the debate over animal welfare in traditional events. The focus now shifts to the ongoing review of Brambilla’s legislation and the potential for stricter regulations governing the use of horses in festivals like the Sartiglia. The ASL has confirmed that the aneurysm was a sudden and unpredictable event, but the broader discussion about the risks involved in these events is likely to continue.
The next step in the legislative process is a hearing before the Agriculture Committee, scheduled for March 15, 2026, where Brambilla is expected to present her case and address concerns raised by local officials and veterinary experts. Updates on the committee’s deliberations will be available on the Italian Chamber of Deputies website.
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