Pony in the trunk of a car on the ferry, Borrelli's complaint: "How is it possible that no one intervened?"

A pony was found locked inside the trunk of a small car during a ferry trip from Pozzuoli to Ischia, sparking outrage and calls for investigation. The incident came to light after footage was shared online by Italian parliamentarian Francesco Emilio Borrelli, who highlighted the distressing conditions the animal endured. Borrelli amplified concerns raised by activist Enrico Rizzi, who had previously brought attention to the situation. The video shows the pony confined in the limited space of a Citroën C1’s trunk while the vehicle was stored in the ship's garage. Borrelli emphasized that the subject of the footage is not an object but a living being, underscoring the ethical implications of the act. The journey took place on July 5, according to reports. During the boarding process on the ferry heading to Ischia, the pony was placed in the rear compartment of the red Citroën C1. The animal remained trapped throughout the approximately one-hour crossing, enduring the heat that had been recorded in the region at the time. A Swiss tourist captured images of the car during the loading procedure, which were later used to raise awareness about the situation. These photographs reportedly show the license plate clearly, potentially aiding authorities in identifying the car owner. Authorities in Pozzuoli were informed of the incident through the tourist’s account, relayed via Rizzi and Borrelli. The primary objective of the complaint is to determine whether the owner of the pony could be held responsible for animal cruelty and to assess if anyone authorized the boarding of the vehicle without taking necessary precautions. Officials must investigate the exact sequence of events and verify compliance with regulations regarding animal transport. According to the testimonial provided by the Swiss traveler, the ferry staff were aware of the animal's presence aboard. She claims she immediately alerted the crew upon noticing the situation, though she felt they already knew about it. If confirmed, this detail might play a crucial role in the ongoing investigations following the complaint. Francesco Emilio Borrelli directed several pointed questions toward the ferry company, querying how such an action could have been permitted. He asked why no one stopped the vehicle before boarding, whether any employee failed to notice the pony inside the compact car, and if there was a lack of urgency in contacting law enforcement. Additionally, he questioned why the journey proceeded despite the potential legal repercussions if the staff was indeed aware of the animal’s presence. Borrelli described the incident as a severe case of mistreatment against a living creature, occurring amidst general indifference. He stressed the need for thorough scrutiny into the circumstances surrounding the event. His statements reflect growing public concern over animal welfare and the responsibilities of both individuals and companies in ensuring humane treatment of animals during transportation. The outcome of these inquiries will likely influence future policies and practices concerning animal care during travel.